Wrestling World Mourns Death of PAC, Months After Honoring Fellow Competitor
The English-born AEW star, known for his high-flying maneuvers, died just hours after competing in a major event, sending shockwaves through the sport.
Wrestling star PAC, whose real name was Benjamin Satterley, has died, All Elite Wrestling announced Sunday, Sept. 27. The news comes just weeks after Satterley publicly mourned the death of fellow competitor Andy Williams.
AEW confirmed Satterley's passing, stating, "All Elite Wrestling is saddened to announce the passing of Benjamin Satterley, aka Pac." The organization noted he was a native of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and began his wrestling career in 2004. Satterley joined AEW in 2019, where he held multiple championships and participated in numerous memorable matches. The cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Satterley competed in a match for the AEW National Championship against Andrade El Idolo on Saturday night in Chicago, which he lost. He later made an appearance during the main event of the pay-per-view, which featured Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay. He died just hours after this performance.
Approximately two weeks prior to his own death, Satterley paid tribute to Andy Williams, who died after suffering a medical episode during a tag-team match. Satterley shared a throwback photo of himself and Williams on social media, writing, "We always knew you were an anomaly too good for this world. I just want to say I love you, man. And you always made sure that I knew you loved me too. I'll miss you, my friend. 'Till we meet again.'
Steve Kaye, founder of Paragon Talent Group, shared an anecdote about Satterley's dedication, recounting how the wrestler traveled to Buffalo for a memorial service for Williams, despite the difficult location and timing. "On a Thursday, day after TV, in a difficult city to travel to, PAC showed up to honor his good brother Andy," Kaye wrote on X. "A gentleman through and through. He will be missed by all."
Before his time in AEW, Satterley performed in WWE from 2012 to 2018 under the alias "Neville." He was widely recognized for his innovative, high-flying moves, earning him the nickname "The Man That Gravity Forgot." His career also included appearances in international promotions such as New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Mexico's Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre.
Fellow wrestlers and fans expressed their shock and sadness on social media. Enzo Amore, a former WWE colleague, wrote, "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." Kevin Owens shared images of himself and Satterley, stating, "The best lad… We love you." Becky Lynch described Satterley as "one of the best. In every way possible."
Adam Pearce, a WWE executive, posted, "I'm speechless. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and everyone affected by the passing of Pac." Rhea Ripley, another WWE performer, called it "a tragic day" and acknowledged Satterley as "an extremely talented person."