Former WWE Superstar Benjamin Satterley, AKA 'PAC' Dies at 40 One Day After Competing at AEW Pay-Per-View

Former WWE Superstar Benjamin Satterley, better known as PAC, has died aged 40, less than 24 hours after competing at All Elite Wrestling's (AEW) All Out pay-per-view in Illinois.

AEW confirmed Satterley's death on Sunday, 27 September, after he faced Andrade El Ídolo for the AEW National Championship at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, near Chicago, the previous evening. PAC lost the match, which became his final professional wrestling appearance. His cause of death has not been disclosed.

The death of the Newcastle-born wrestler prompted an outpouring of tributes from performers across AEW, WWE and the wider professional wrestling world, with fellow wrestlers remembering him for his athleticism, in-ring ability and contributions to the sport.

Looking Back at PAC's Wrestling Career

Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Satterley began his professional wrestling career in 2004, building a reputation on the British independent scene before competing internationally in Japan, Mexico and the United States.

He joined WWE in 2012 and initially performed as Adrian Neville, later shortening his ring name to Neville. During his time in WWE's developmental NXT brand, he became NXT Champion and NXT Tag Team Champion before moving to the main roster.

Satterley later became a two-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion, establishing himself as one of the promotion's leading high-flying performers. His athletic style earned him the nickname 'The Man That Gravity Forgot', while the Black Arrow became his signature finishing move.

After leaving WWE in 2018, Satterley returned to using the PAC name and joined AEW in 2019. He became one of the promotion's most prominent British wrestlers and was part of several championship-winning teams.

PAC won the AEW All-Atlantic Championship in 2022 and captured the AEW World Trios Championship twice. His first reign came alongside Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix as Death Triangle, while his second came with the Death Riders.

AEW described Satterley following his death as a Newcastle native who 'captivated fans with innovative high-flying moves and incredible in-ring ability', highlighting a career that spanned more than two decades.

Tributes From the Wrestling World

AEW president Tony Khan led tributes to Satterley following the announcement of his death, highlighting both his wrestling ability and the person behind the performer.

'Benjamin Satterley defined excellence as a beloved husband & friend to his many loved ones, + in his wrestling knowledge, skill, unprecedented athleticism, professionalism, consistency + dedication to the sport that he loved & traveled the world to pursue. May Ben rest in peace.'

Fellow British wrestler and current AEW World Champion Will Ospreay also paid tribute to Satterley, describing him as 'the greatest export from our country' and 'the greatest human being.'

One of the most personal reactions came from former WWE and AEW wrestler Enzo Amore, who described Satterley as his best friend and addressed his family directly.

'My best friend has passed on. I am absolutely in shock. My prayers are with his wife and family. Ben, I love you. I'm going to miss you, Pac. Thank you for being a friend.'

Satterley made his final match at AEW All Out on 26 September, wrestling Andrade El Ídolo in an AEW National Championship bout. His death was announced the following day, bringing an abrupt end to a professional wrestling career spanning roughly 22 years. His cause of death remains undisclosed.