British professional wrestler Benjamin Satterley, widely recognised by his ring name Pac, has tragically passed away at the age of 40. This news was confirmed by All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on Sunday, September 27, a day after he competed in a pay-per-view event known as “All Out” held at the NOW Arena in Illinois, just outside Chicago. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/benjamin-satterley-092826-1-ab88f42796c942e1a9424b1a71c9530c.jpg)
Satterley, who hailed from Newcastle upon Tyne, began his wrestling career in 2004. Over the years, he garnered a significant following by showcasing his remarkable high-flying manoeuvres and impressive in-ring capabilities, earning him the nickname “The Man that Gravity Forgot.” He captivated audiences across the globe and became a notable figure in the wrestling community.
AEW released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) expressing their condolences to Satterley’s family, friends, and fans. The statement highlighted his accomplishments, including his multiple championship titles in AEW since joining the organisation in 2019 and his participation in some of the most iconic matches within the promotion’s history.
Born on August 22, 1986, Satterley was known for his versatility in the ring, performing under various names throughout his career, including Adrian Neville during his tenure with WWE. He also made significant contributions to international promotions such as New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre in Mexico. This varied experience allowed him to develop a unique wrestling style that endeared him to fans worldwide.
In a reflective moment, Satterley recalled the turning point in his career during an interview on the “Art of Wrestling” podcast in 2014, hosted by fellow wrestler Colt Cabana. He described how witnessing the enthusiastic response of the crowd at a match for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla in Los Angeles made him realise he could pursue wrestling as a full-time career. At the time, he was balancing his passion for wrestling with a demanding job at a courier factory, which he later noted as a challenging period in his life.
AEW president Tony Khan paid tribute to Satterley, stating that he embodied excellence in various aspects of his professional life, including his wrestling acumen, remarkable athleticism, and unwavering professionalism. Khan emphasised that Satterley was not only dedicated to his craft in the ring but also passionate about pursuing wrestling globally.
Will Ospreay, another prominent British wrestler and current AEW World Champion, expressed his sorrow over the loss, describing Satterley as the “greatest export” from the UK as well as an exceptional human being. He shared memories of their time together in a heartfelt post on social media, emphasising the impact Satterley had on the wrestling community.
Similarly, Ace Austin, who faced Satterley just a few days before his passing on AEW’s Collision, expressed disbelief at the news through a simple yet poignant message on social media.
Satterley is survived by his wife, Natalie Satterley, and his passing has left a profound impact on the wrestling world. Fans, colleagues, and fellow athletes continue to share their tributes and memories, highlighting his contributions and the joy he brought to so many through his wrestling career. As the wrestling community mourns his loss, they also celebrate the legacy of a performer who left an indelible mark on the sport.