Sabu Howard, born Taylor Howard, has become a renowned figure in the world of professional wrestling. His larger-than-life persona and distinctive wrestling style have captivated fans worldwide for decades. Born into a family with deep roots in the professional wrestling industry, Sabu’s rise to fame and success in the world of wrestling is nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his daredevil stunts, death-defying matches, and hardcore wrestling style, Sabu revolutionized the sport and gained recognition in wrestling promotions like ECW, WWE, and TNA.
Early Life of Taylor Sabu Howard
Taylor Howard, known in the wrestling world as Sabu, was born on December 12, 1964, in Michigan, USA. Growing up, Sabu was exposed to the wrestling business early on, as his uncle, the legendary The Sheik, was a prominent wrestler in the industry. The Sheik’s influence would play a pivotal role in shaping Sabu’s future. From a young age, Sabu had a deep fascination with wrestling, watching his uncle’s matches and learning the fundamentals of the sport.
His family was well-established in the wrestling business, and it was not long before Sabu began training to follow in their footsteps. He initially trained under various trainers, learning different techniques, but it was The Sheik who most strongly guided his early career, teaching him how to embrace the hardcore elements of wrestling that would later define his legacy.
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The Birth of “Sabu” in the Wrestling World
Sabu began his wrestling career under several different names, but it was the persona of “Sabu” that would ultimately define his legacy. The character of Sabu was inspired by his uncle, The Sheik, but it also added new elements that made it unique. Sabu adopted a wild, unpredictable persona that matched his high-flying wrestling style. His ring attire—often consisting of baggy pants and a mask—made him stand out from other wrestlers, contributing to his larger-than-life image.
Sabu’s unique wrestling persona was designed to reflect his reckless and dangerous attitude toward the sport. He was willing to put his body through unimaginable pain and danger to entertain the fans, leading him to develop a reputation for performing high-risk, high-reward stunts. His willingness to embrace the most brutal and intense aspects of wrestling made him an immediate fan favorite.
Sabu’s Rise to Fame in ECW
In the early 1990s, Sabu made his big break in the world of professional wrestling when he joined ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling). ECW was known for its no-holds-barred, extreme style of wrestling, and Sabu was the perfect fit for the promotion. His style of wrestling—featuring high-flying moves, brutal chair shots, and chaotic brawls—became synonymous with ECW’s hardcore ethos.
Sabu’s ECW debut in 1993 marked the beginning of his meteoric rise. He quickly became one of the top stars in the company, delivering unforgettable matches and moments that would go down in history. His rivalry with Rob Van Dam is one of the most iconic in wrestling history, and the two frequently teamed up to create some of the most explosive and dangerous matches in the promotion’s history.
Wrestling Style: High-Flying, Hardcore, and Unpredictable
One of the defining features of Sabu’s wrestling career is his unique wrestling style. Sabu combined high-flying aerial moves with brutal, hardcore elements such as weapons, tables, and steel chairs. This combination of athleticism and violence created a distinct style that set him apart from other wrestlers.
Sabu’s high-flying maneuvers, such as his Arabian Moonsault and Arabian Facebuster, left fans in awe. At the same time, his willingness to engage in violent, no-rules brawls and to use weapons in his matches set him apart from traditional wrestlers of the time. His matches were filled with unpredictable moments, where fans could expect to see him put his body on the line in ways few other wrestlers dared.
Sabu’s Matches: Defining Moments and Rivalries
Throughout his career, Sabu had numerous memorable matches with other wrestling legends. His matches with Rob Van Dam in ECW are particularly noteworthy. The two had a chemistry that made their bouts some of the most exciting and chaotic in wrestling history. These bouts often involved tables, ladders, and chairs, with both men willing to go to extreme lengths for victory.
Sabu also had notable rivalries with other wrestling icons, such as Taz, Jerry Lynn, and Shane Douglas. His brutal match against Taz at ECW’s “Hardcore Heaven 1995” is often regarded as one of the most intense and violent contests of that era.
In addition to his ECW tenure, Sabu made appearances in WWE and TNA, contributing to some legendary moments in both promotions. Though his time in WWE was brief, he helped add to the intensity and excitement of the company’s programming, particularly during the 2000s.
Sabu’s Influence on Hardcore Wrestling
Sabu is often credited with helping to popularize hardcore wrestling. His willingness to embrace violence and chaos in the ring paved the way for future generations of wrestlers to adopt similar styles. Sabu’s matches, filled with tables, ladders, and chairs, helped establish the “extreme” style that would later influence promotions such as WWE’s TLC (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs) matches.
Sabu’s influence can be seen in the numerous wrestlers who followed in his footsteps. Wrestlers like Rob Van Dam, Mick Foley, and even current stars such as AJ Styles have cited Sabu as an inspiration. Sabu’s style revolutionized the business, proving that hardcore wrestling could be both entertaining and widely respected within the wrestling community.
Sabu’s Later Years and Legacy in Wrestling
Though Sabu’s active in-ring career has slowed down in recent years, his legacy in the wrestling world is secure. He remains an iconic figure in the sport, frequently appearing at conventions, autograph signings, and special events. Sabu’s story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a relentless passion for entertaining the fans.
Today, Sabu’s matches are still remembered as some of the most brutal and exciting in wrestling history. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the hardcore wrestling movement, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come. Sabu’s legacy is not just in the matches he fought, but in the lives he inspired and the new generation of wrestlers he helped shape.
FAQs About Sabu Howard
1. Who is Sabu Howard?
Sabu Howard, whose real name is Taylor Howard, is a professional wrestler known for his extreme, hardcore style and high-flying moves.
2. When was Sabu born?
Sabu was born on December 12, 1964, in Michigan, USA.
3. What is Sabu’s wrestling style?
Sabu is known for combining high-flying acrobatics with hardcore wrestling, using tables, chairs, and other weapons in his matches.
4. Who influenced Sabu’s career?
Sabu was heavily influenced by his uncle, The Sheik, a legendary wrestler known for his hardcore style.
5. What promotions did Sabu work for?
Sabu worked for ECW, WWE, TNA, and other wrestling promotions, becoming an icon in the hardcore wrestling movement.
Conclusion
Sabu Howard, also known as Taylor Howard, is an iconic figure in the world of professional wrestling. His unique style, combining high-flying moves with hardcore violence, forever changed the wrestling landscape. From his early influences under his uncle, The Sheik, to his breakout years in ECW, Sabu captivated audiences and set the bar for what hardcore wrestling could achieve. Today, his legacy continues to inspire and influence wrestlers around the world, cementing his place as one of the greatest innovators in wrestling history.
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