Former ECW champion Rob Van Dam posts emotional message on Sabu’s demise

Rob Van Dam (RVD) took to his Facebook page to mourn the loss of his former rival Sabu who passed away at the age of 60. Both RVD and Sabu had a great relationship not only inside the ring but also outside as the two were very good friends. RVD who is a WWE Hall of Famer shared a heartfelt post dedicated to his friend. 

Former ECW and WWE icon wrote, “Here we were just a few weeks ago at Wrestlecon. You never know when it’s the last time you’ll be together when it comes to this. Sabu was as irreplaceable in my life as he was in the industry.” The two wrestlers had legendary matches during their time with ECW during the height of pro-wrestling boom in the mid 1990’s. 

The note from RVD also read, “You all know how important he was to my career, and you know how much he meant to me personally. He’s been a tremendous influence since I was 18 years old, when I met him. Learning to be an adult, while you’re in the crazy environment of this business can go several different ways.”

“I’m proud to have been able to carry on so many of Sheik and Sabu’s values, both in and out of the ring. Sabu helped make me the wrestler I am, the person I am, and I’ll always be proud of that and grateful.” RVD’s note on his Facebook account also noted how much Sabu loved the business and ended by writing, “Wrestle in Peace”

Timeline of RVD and Sabu’s wrestling relationship 

ECW saw many memorable matches between RVD and Sabu which is still remembered to this day. Starting as rivals the two ultimately joined forces as a tag team to take on Can-Am express team in a match. The duo also faced the Eliminators for a chance to win the ECW tag team titles. This tag team run lasted just a short while as Sabu then began his legendary feud with Tazz. 

Sabu and RVD once again came together when ECW was involved in a storyline invasion of WWE in 1997. Both wrestlers turned heel and seemingly sided with the then WWF which also included Hall of Famer Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler. When RVD became the ECW champion, Sabu fought him in a show but came up short and that was the end to their rivalry.