Entertainment
Wrestling Superstar Dead At 40 Just Hours After Championship Fight
The wrestling world was rocked Sunday after All Elite Wrestling announced that star performer PAC, whose real name was Benjamin Satterley, had died at age 40 just hours after competing at one of the promotion’s biggest events of the year.
Satterley, a native of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, wrestled Andrade El Idolo for the AEW National Championship at All Out in Chicago on Saturday night.
PAC lost the match before returning later during the pay-per-view’s main event involving Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay.
Then, only hours later, AEW announced his death.
No cause of death has been released.
AEW confirmed the news in a statement Sunday.
‘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.’
Benjamin Satterley, pro wrestler known as “Pac,” dies at age 40 https://t.co/nqUKTFOxsp
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) September 28, 2026
The stunning announcement came after fans had just watched PAC perform on one of AEW’s biggest stages, leaving many wrestling followers struggling to process the news.
One fan wrote: ‘I’m completely lost for words, I just saw him on Wednesday. RIP PAC.’
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Another added: ‘In complete and total shock. There aren’t words enough to describe how gutting this is. One of the greatest high flyers of his generation, still in his prime right now… nothing about this feels right or real…’
Retired wrestler and WWE executive Adam Pearce also paid tribute to Satterley.
‘I’m speechless. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and everyone affected by the passing of Pac.
‘Ben, you were an incredible performer. I truly enjoyed every interaction we had…even the ones that sucked. It was a pleasure to be around your passion, to watch you work, and to work alongside you. Godspeed, Bastard Pac. Rest well, my friend.’
WWE star Rhea Ripley also reacted to the news.
‘What a tragic day. What an extremely talented person. Speechless… RIP PAC.’
Satterley built a global wrestling career after beginning in 2004, competing across the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico and the United States.
He became widely known for his explosive aerial style and extraordinary athleticism, earning the nickname ‘The Man That Gravity Forgot.’
Before joining AEW, Satterley spent years in WWE under the name Neville, where he became a standout performer and developed a reputation as one of the industry’s premier high flyers.
He later signed with AEW in 2019 and became a fixture on the company’s roster.
During his AEW career, PAC held multiple championships, including the All-Atlantic Championship, and became a prominent member of the Death Riders faction alongside Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta.
His final match came Saturday at AEW All Out, where he challenged Andrade for the National Championship in Chicago.
AEW’s official results show Andrade defeated PAC in the title match before the English star appeared again later in the show.
Less than a day later, the promotion announced that one of its most recognizable international stars was dead at just 40.
