British wrestler Pac, real name Benjamin Satterley, died at the age of 40, just 10 days after sharing a final social media post paying tribute to fellow wrestler Andy Williams. The Newcastle-born star posted a light-hearted backstage photo of the pair on X on September 17, before his sudden death on Saturday.
Final tribute to Andy Williams
The photo showed the duo, both wearing matching flame-printed bandanas, flexing and smirking in the locker room of a wrestling event. It has since taken on added poignancy after Pac's death, which came just hours after he competed at AEW's All Out Pay-Per-View in Chicago.
Williams, known as the Butcher, died aged 48 after banging his head against the ring post during a tag team match in Philadelphia on September 5. He was given CPR by doctors until an ambulance arrived and rushed him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office said Williams died following a medical crisis, but no preliminary cause of death was stated.
Tributes from wrestling community
One fan commented on Pac's post: "The most heartbreaking last post. May you both rest in peace. You should both be here still." Another said: "May you both rest in peace and know that folks appreciated your work."
Pac, who wrestled in the WWE as Adrian Neville, was renowned for his high-flying ability and innovative ring style. He signed with AEW in 2019 and held multiple championships in the company. He also worked for New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre in Mexico.
Fellow wrestlers react
Fellow Brit wrestler Will Ospreay said in tribute that Pac was "the greatest export from our country. Also the greatest human being." AEW star Chris Sabin said on X: "Can't believe this. Sending love to those closest to him. RIP Ben." Irish-born WWE star Becky Lynch described him as "one of the best in every way possible."
AEW said in a statement: "Our condolences go out to Satterley's family, friends and fans." No cause of death has been provided.
