The professional wrestling community has been left reeling following the death of All Elite Wrestling star PAC, whose real name was Benjamin Satterley, at the age of 40.
The announcement came less than a day after the English wrestler competed at AEW All Out in Chicago, making the timing of his death particularly shocking for fans and fellow performers.
AEW confirmed Satterley’s death on Sunday but did not disclose a cause.
PAC competed at AEW All Out just hours earlier
Satterley’s final known appearance came at Saturday night’s All Out event, where he challenged Andrade El Idolo for the AEW National Championship.
PAC was defeated in the match but later returned to the action during the pay-per-view’s main event involving Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay.
Only hours later, AEW announced that the wrestler had died.
The promotion said Satterley had begun his professional wrestling career in 2004 and went on to compete for organisations around the world.
AEW pays tribute to a global wrestling star
In announcing his death, AEW highlighted Satterley’s innovative high-flying style and his ability inside the ring.
The company also remembered his contribution since joining its roster in 2019, noting that he had won multiple championships and competed in some of the promotion’s most memorable matches.
AEW extended its condolences to his family, friends and fans.
From Newcastle to wrestling stages around the world
Satterley was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in England and developed an international reputation during a career spanning more than two decades.
He wrestled in the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico and the United States, becoming particularly recognised for his aerial manoeuvres and athletic performances.
His distinctive style eventually earned him the nickname “The Man That Gravity Forgot.”
WWE fans knew him as Neville
Before establishing himself as PAC in AEW, Satterley spent several years with WWE, where he performed under the ring name Neville.
He became one of the promotion’s prominent high-flying performers and built a strong following during his time with the company.
His career later took him to AEW, where he signed in 2019 and became a regular presence on the roster.
Championships and the Death Riders connection
During his AEW career, PAC captured multiple titles, including the All-Atlantic Championship.
He also became associated with the Death Riders faction alongside Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta, adding another significant chapter to his AEW career.
His performances helped establish him as one of the company’s most recognisable international stars.
Wrestling figures react with disbelief
News of Satterley’s death prompted tributes from wrestlers and others across the industry.
Retired wrestler and WWE executive Adam Pearce described himself as speechless while remembering Satterley’s talent, passion and their professional interactions.
WWE star Rhea Ripley also expressed her shock, describing PAC as an exceptionally talented performer.
Fans similarly reacted with disbelief, with many struggling to comprehend the news after seeing the wrestler compete only hours earlier.
Cause of death remains unknown
AEW has not announced the circumstances surrounding Satterley’s death, and no cause of death has been publicly released.
The wrestler was only 40 years old.
His death brings an unexpected end to a career that began in 2004 and saw him perform across several of professional wrestling’s biggest international promotions.
