section_path: Professional wrestling career/Independent circuit (2000–2005)
section_name: Independent circuit (2000–2005)
paragraph_text: Independent circuit (2000–2005)
  
  After leaving ECW, Sabu went to compete on the independent circuit for promotions such as Xtreme Pro Wrestling, IWA Mid-South, Stampede Wrestling and Border City Wrestling. On April 29, 2000, he won a tournament for the vacated XPW World Heavyweight Championship. He was the only champion to defend the title outside of the United States. Sabu was stripped off the title in May 2001 after he was not present for an event. He also returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling in 2000 and 2001 as a singles competitor. In 2002, he worked for Pro-Pain Pro Wrestling, winning the 3PW World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Gary Wolfe on October 19. He lost the title to Wolfe on December 28.
  
  After Sabu suffered a legitimate back injury, Brunk contracted a virus and was hospitalized, sidelining him for ten months. On December 12, a benefit show, A Night of Appreciation for Sabu, was held by the AWWL to raise funds for him. The show was considered a success, raising enough money for Brunk to cover the costs of his medical care and make a full recovery. Sabu appeared at Hardcore Homecoming on June 10, where he defeated Terry Funk and Shane Douglas in a three-way no-ropes barbed wire match,
  
  After leaving ECW, Sabu went to compete on the independent circuit for promotions such as Xtreme Pro Wrestling, IWA Mid-South, Stampede Wrestling and Border City Wrestling. On April 29, 2000, he won a tournament for the vacated XPW World Heavyweight Championship. He was the only champion to defend the title outside of the United States. Sabu was stripped off the title in May 2001 after he was not present for an event. He also returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling in 2000 and 2001 as a singles competitor. In 2002, he worked for Pro-Pain Pro Wrestling, winning the 3PW World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Gary Wolfe on October 19. He lost the title to Wolfe on December 28.
  
  After Sabu suffered a legitimate back injury, Brunk contracted a virus and was hospitalized, sidelining him for ten months. On December 12, a benefit show, A Night of Appreciation for Sabu, was held by the AWWL to raise funds for him. The show was considered a success, raising enough money for Brunk to cover the costs of his medical care and make a full recovery. Sabu appeared at Hardcore Homecoming on June 10, where he defeated Terry Funk and Shane Douglas in a three-way no-ropes barbed wire match,