Former WWE wrestler Benjamin Satterley, known as Pac, has died at the age of 40, it was announced one day after his final AEW match.
Satterley wrestled Andrade El Idolo in the opening match of All Elite Wrestling's 'All Out' PPV on Saturday night (September 27). He wrestled at Wembley Stadium last month as part of AEW's Death Riders stable.
AEW confirms the news
The news of the Newcastle native's passing was announced by AEW on Monday morning (September 28) in a post on X. His death comes in the same month of fellow AEW star Andy 'The Butcher' Williams.
The post reads: "All Elite Wrestling is saddened to announce the passing of Benjamin Satterley, aka Pac. 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.
"Pac signed with All Elite Wrestling in 2019 and held multiple AEW Championships and competed in some of the most memorable matches in AEW history. Our condolences go out to Satterley's family, friends and fans."
Career highlights
AEW did not reveal a cause of death or any other details surrounding Satterley's passing. He joined the company, owned by Fulham owner Tony Chair, upon its launch in 2019 and was a favourite among fans.
During his time with the company, Satterley was the inaugural AEW International Champion and a two-time AEW World Trios Champion. He was part of the Death Riders with Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, Claudio Castagnoli, Marina Shafir and Daniel Garcia.
Beginning his wrestling career with UK company Real Quality Wrestling (RQW) in 2006, Satterley went on to wrestle for American promotions such as Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), Ring of Honor (ROH), and Chikara, as well as the Japanese promotion Dragongate.
In 2012, Satterley joined the WWE, using the name Adrian Neville in the company's NXT brand. He won the NXT Tag Team Championship twice, alongside Oliver Grey and Corey Graves respectively.
Satterley won the prestigious NXT Championship in 2014, holding the belt for at the time record-breaking 287 days. He was promoted to WWE's main roster in 2015.
Using the shortened ring name Neville, he became a record two-time (and longest-reigning) WWE Cruiserweight Champion. He memorably wrestled alongside Arrow actor Stephen Amell to defeat Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett at Summerslam 2015.
Tributes from the wrestling world
Following news of his passing, many wrestlers took to social media to pay their respects to Satterley. Among them was the current AEW World Heavyweight Champion and fellow UK native Will Ospreay.
Ospreay said: "The greatest export from our country. Also the greatest human being. Honoured to have shared the ring with you so many times. You truly are such a hero to myself and many others."
Tony Khan wrote: "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."
Kyle Fletcher commented: "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." Rhea Ripley stated: "What a tragic day. What an extremely talented person. Speechless… RIP PAC."
