London: English professional wrestler Benjamin Satterley, better known by his ring name Pac has died at the age of 40, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) announced on Sunday.
The Newcastle upon Tyne native began his professional wrestling career in 2004 and went on to compete for major wrestling promotions across the world. He became known for his high-flying wrestling style, athleticism and innovative moves.
AEW announced his death in a statement, offering condolences to his family, friends and fans. The promotion did not disclose the cause or circumstances of his death.
Pac wrestled for AEW since 2019
Satterley joined AEW in 2019 after establishing himself internationally and previously performing for WWE under the ring name Neville.
During his WWE career, he became known for his aerial attacks and explosive style, earning nicknames including “King of the Cruiserweights” and “The Man That Gravity Forgot.”
His move to AEW saw him become one of the promotion’s established performers and a regular presence in major matches.
According to AEW records, Satterley wrestled 147 matches for the promotion after joining in 2019, recording 94 wins, 47 losses and four draws.
Made AEW history in 2022
Pac became the inaugural AEW All-Atlantic Champion in 2022. The championship was subsequently renamed the AEW International Championship.
He also won the AEW World Trios Championship alongside Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta in 2024.
The trio won the title at Wembley Stadium in England in front of a large home-country audience, adding another major achievement to Satterley’s AEW career.
His career also included appearances for Japanese promotions such as Dragongate and New Japan Pro-Wrestling as well as Mexico’s World Wrestling Council (CMLL).
Wrestled just a day before death
Satterley’s death was announced only a day after he competed at AEW’s All Out pay-per-view event near Chicago on September 26.
He faced Andrade El Ídolo at the event, making his death particularly unexpected for fans and fellow wrestlers who had seen him compete only hours earlier.
AEW did not provide details about what happened between the event and the announcement of his death.
Wrestling community pays tribute
Tributes began pouring in from wrestlers and fans following the announcement.
AEW wrestler Nick Wayne who has described Satterley as an influence, recalled a conversation with him in 2024 after watching one of his matches.
Wayne paid tribute to Satterley’s advice and encouragement, describing him as one of professional wrestling’s great innovators.
English AEW wrestler Will Ospreay who had shared the ring with Satterley on several occasions, also paid tribute to him, remembering him as a major representative of British wrestling.
The tributes reflected Satterley’s influence on younger wrestlers as well as his reputation among his peers.
Tributes from Japan and Mexico
Satterley’s career extended well beyond Britain and the United States, with significant spells in Japan and Mexico.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling expressed its sadness following news of his death and conveyed its sympathies to his family and friends.
CMLL also paid tribute, remembering Satterley for his professionalism, dedication and conduct during his appearances in Mexico.
His international career made him familiar to wrestling audiences across several major wrestling markets.
A career spanning more than two decades
Satterley started wrestling professionally in 2004 and spent more than two decades performing internationally.
His career included championship success, appearances at major wrestling events and matches against several prominent performers.
His athletic, high-speed style helped establish him as one of the recognisable British wrestlers of his generation. His performances in WWE, AEW and international promotions also helped build a global fan base.
His death at 40 marks the loss of a wrestler whose career had continued into 2026, with his final known match taking place at AEW All Out on September 26.
AEW has expressed its condolences to Satterley’s family, friends and fans. Details surrounding his death have not been released.