AEW Wrestler Benjamin Satterley, Known as Pac, Dies at Age 40

Professional wrestler Benjamin Satterley, known globally as Pac, died at age 40, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) announced on Sunday, September 28, 2026. Satterley passed away just one day after competing in a high-profile match for the AEW National Championship in Chicago, though a cause of death has not been released.

The wrestling community is reeling from the sudden loss of a performer defined by a refusal to be bound by gravity. All Elite Wrestling confirmed the passing of the Newcastle upon Tyne native via its official website and social media channels. While the announcement was definitive, the circumstances remain opaque; the company’s website did not list a cause of death.

All Elite Wrestling is saddened to announce the passing of Benjamin Satterley, aka Pac, the organization said in a statement. A native of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Satterley began his wrestling career in 2004 and went on to perform for wrestling organizations all over the world, captivating fans with innovative high-flying moves and incredible in-ring ability.

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A Final Match in Chicago

The timing of Satterley’s death adds a layer of shock for fans and colleagues. On Saturday, September 26, he competed in the opening match of AEW’s All Out event at the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. He challenged Andrade El Idolo for the AEW National Championship, a bout that was broadcast globally on pay-per-view. Satterley lost the match, marking his final appearance in the ring.

The suddenness of the event prompted immediate inquiries. According to reports, outreach was made to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments in Chicago and Hoffman Estates for comment on the circumstances.

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From Adrian Neville to the International Championship

Satterley’s career was a global journey that began in 2004. His entry into the sport was sparked at age 18 by an aunt who was a fan of the WWF, according to his booking agency, MN2S. By 2007, he had moved into international competition, eventually landing in WWE where he performed as Adrian Neville from 2012 to 2018. During his WWE tenure, he was a two-time cruiserweight champion, an NXT champion, and a two-time NXT tag team champion.

When he signed with AEW in 2019, he became one of the organization’s foundational talents. AEW noted that he held multiple AEW Championships and competed in some of the most memorable matches in AEW history.

AEW Wrestler Benjamin Satterley, Known as Pac, Dies at Age 40 — Photo: Cbsnews

Served as the inaugural AEW International Champion (also referred to as the inaugural All-Atlantic Champion).
Held one-third of the AEW Trios Championship twice.
Became a member of the Death Riders faction alongside figures like Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli.

His ring style earned him a reputation for innovation, leading to nicknames like The Super Superman and The Man That Gravity Forgot.

Tributes from the Ring and the Locker Room

The response to Satterley’s death has spanned the divide between AEW and WWE, reflecting a deep professional respect. Will Ospreay, the current AEW World Champion, described him as The greatest export from our country. Also the greatest human being.

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“Honoured to have shared the ring with you so many times. You truly are such a hero to myself and many others. Forever our BASTARD 💚RIP Pac.”
Will Ospreay, AEW World Champion

Others highlighted the man behind the persona. Bryce Remsburg, an AEW referee and friend of 20 years, recalled Satterley’s kindness toward his children, noting that he brought them Kinder Eggs from the UK and converted them into fans of Newcastle United FC. WWE veteran Natalya Neidhart recalled his passion and the respect he showed everyone, specifically noting his time in NXT working with her husband, TJ.

The loss was felt acutely by those closest to him. American wrestler Enzo Amore, known as REAL1, expressed total shock, calling Satterley his best friend and offering prayers for his wife and family. Tributes also poured in from WWE star Becky Lynch, who called him one of the best in every way possible, and wrestler Alexa Bliss, who shared her disbelief on social media.

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AEW concluded its announcement by stating, Our condolences go out to Satterley’s family, friends and fans. For a performer who spent two decades defying the limits of the human body in the ring, the silence regarding the cause of his death remains the most jarring detail of the announcement.