Wrestling Icon Pac Dies at 40, One Day After AEW All Out Match

Key points

• Benjamin Satterley, known as Pac in AEW and Adrian Neville in WWE, died at age 40 on September 27, 2026.
• AEW announced his passing on Sunday, September 27, 2026, just one day after he competed in the opening match of the All Out pay-per-view in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
• No cause of death has been released, and the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
• Satterley was a renowned high-flying innovator who held multiple championships across major promotions, including the AEW World Trios and All-Atlantic titles, as well as the WWE NXT and Cruiserweight championships.
• Tributes from peers like Will Ospreay and Tony Khan have poured in, describing him as a 'greatest export' and 'beloved husband.'

Background

Satterley began his wrestling career in 2004, training at age 18. He rose to prominence on the British independent scene before joining WWE in 2012, where he spent six years as Adrian Neville. During his WWE tenure, he won the NXT Championship, NXT Tag Team Championship, and WWE Cruiserweight Championship, including a record 197-day reign. He left WWE in late 2017 and joined AEW in January 2019, becoming one of its early members. In AEW, he won the All-Atlantic Championship in 2022 and the AEW World Trios Championship twice, once with the Death Triangle and once with the Death Riders. He was also the inaugural AEW International Champion. His death is a shock to the wrestling world, as he was active in the ring just one day prior.

How outlets are covering it

AEW and USA Today reported the news of Satterley's death, emphasizing his contributions to AEW and his status as a high-flying innovator. NBC News provided additional background on his career, including his time in WWE and his nickname 'The Man That Gravity Forgot.' ESPN's source was a 403 error page, so no information could be extracted. All sources agree on the basic facts of his death and career, but NBC News provided more detail on his personal life and career trajectory, while AEW and USA Today focused on his achievements and tributes from peers.

Why it matters

Satterley's death is a significant loss for the professional wrestling world, as he was a prominent star in both AEW and WWE. His high-flying style and innovative moves captivated fans and influenced the next generation of wrestlers. His passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from peers and fans, highlighting his impact on the sport. The circumstances of his death remain unclear, and no cause has been released, adding to the shock and sadness of the news.

What to watch

The wrestling world is expected to continue mourning Satterley's passing, with more tributes and memorials likely to follow. AEW and other promotions may hold special events or segments to honor his memory. The lack of a released cause of death may lead to further speculation and investigation, but for now, the focus is on remembering his contributions to the sport.