Rob Van Dam, WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most influential figures in modern professional wrestling, has opened up about the pivotal role his late friend and fellow ECW legend Sabu played in shaping his early career. In a series of recent interviews and behind-the-scenes reflections, Van Dam credits Sabu not just as a mentor and training partner, but as the catalyst that gave him the confidence to step into the spotlight and redefine what was possible in the ring.
The ECW Brotherhood: Sabu and RVD’s Unlikely Partnership
Long before Rob Van Dam became a household name in WWE, he was a young wrestler trying to find his footing in the chaotic world of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). It was there, in the gritty, no-holds-barred environment of the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia, that Van Dam first crossed paths with Sabu. The two were both trained by Sabu’s uncle, The Original Sheik, a veteran of the wrestling business who instilled in them the fundamentals of the sport in makeshift rings set up in garages and backyards.
According to a WWE insider familiar with Van Dam’s early years, “Rob looked up to Sabu not just because of his in-ring ability, but because of his fearlessness. Sabu was doing things that no one else dared to try—flying through tables, using weapons, pushing the boundaries of what was considered safe. For a young guy like Rob, seeing that kind of innovation up close was both inspiring and intimidating.”
Van Dam has often spoken about how Sabu’s presence gave him the courage to experiment and take risks. “Sabu was the guy who showed me that you could be different, that you didn’t have to fit into the mold,” Van Dam said in a recent podcast appearance. “He was the one who made me believe that I could be my own artist in the ring.”
Sabu’s Influence: More Than Just a Mentor
Sabu’s impact on Van Dam went beyond just in-ring technique. The two formed a close bond, both personally and professionally, and their partnership became a cornerstone of ECW’s success in the mid-1990s. Sabu’s unique style—marked by his use of the turban, his high-flying moves, and his willingness to embrace the hardcore elements of wrestling—set a new standard for what fans expected from their heroes.
“Sabu was a character unlike any other,” said JBL, who has often praised both Sabu and Van Dam for changing the wrestling business. “He was safe in what he did, even when he was doing the craziest stuff. And Rob Van Dam learned from that. He saw how Sabu could make the impossible look effortless, and it gave him the confidence to develop his own style.”
Van Dam has also reflected on how Sabu’s approach to wrestling helped him navigate the challenges of being a young performer in a company that valued innovation over tradition. “ECW was a place where you could be yourself,” Van Dam said. “It was unapologetic. The storylines were crazy. It was a full circus with completely different styles of wrestling, but altogether we were this family that was so grateful for what we had.”
The WWE Years: Sabu’s Struggles and Van Dam’s Growth
When ECW’s influence began to wane, both Sabu and Van Dam eventually made their way to WWE. While Van Dam found success in the company, Sabu struggled to adapt to the more controlled environment. According to sources close to the locker room, Sabu often felt constrained by WWE’s creative direction and missed the freedom he had enjoyed in ECW.
“Sabu wanted to be the rebel,” Van Dam recalled in a recent interview. “He was wanting to get himself fired, and I was telling him, ‘Dude, that’s not a good move for your career. Just stick it out.’ But he saw the value in being the rebel that wanted to leave on his own terms, get himself fired or whatever, and then go back to where he didn’t have to deal with so much control over him.”
Despite the challenges, Van Dam credits Sabu with helping him maintain his identity in WWE. “Sabu taught me that you don’t have to compromise who you are, even when you’re in a big company,” Van Dam said. “He showed me that you can still be different, even if the system tries to make you the same.”
A Lasting Legacy: The Sabu Documentary
In the months following Sabu’s passing, Van Dam has been working on a documentary that chronicles his friend’s life and career. The project, which includes interviews with fellow wrestlers and behind-the-scenes footage, is a tribute to Sabu’s impact on the wrestling world.
“Sabu was more than just a wrestler,” Van Dam said. “He was a pioneer, an innovator, and a friend. This documentary is my way of making sure that his legacy lives on.”
According to a source involved in the production, “Rob is pouring his heart into this project. He wants people to understand just how much Sabu meant to him, and to the wrestling business as a whole.”
The Impact on a Generation
Today, Rob Van Dam’s career stands as a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of staying true to oneself. His partnership with Sabu not only helped him gain the confidence to succeed, but also inspired a generation of wrestlers to push the boundaries of what was possible in the ring.
“Sabu and Rob Van Dam changed the business,” said JBL. “They showed us that you could be different, that you could take risks, and that you could still be successful. They were pioneers, and their influence can still be felt in wrestling today.”
As Van Dam continues to honor Sabu’s memory through his documentary and public appearances, one thing is clear: the legacy of their partnership will live on, inspiring future generations of wrestlers to be bold, be different, and be themselves.