WWE and AEW Honor Late Star Pac After Sudden Death in Illinois

Key points

• Satterley was found dead in a rental car outside a CAVA restaurant in Des Plaines on Sunday, September 28, 2026, at approximately 4:08 p.m.
• He had competed at AEW All Out in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, the previous day, losing to Andrade El Ídolo.
• WWE Raw opened with a tribute graphic, and Becky Lynch and Bayley wore armbands with 'PAC' and 'BEN' written on them.
• Penta, who teamed with Satterley in AEW, wore boots with 'PAC' written on them during the same Raw episode.
• AEW announced a tribute show on Wednesday's Dynamite, while the Cook County medical examiner's office is pending an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Background

Satterley, a native of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, began his wrestling career in 2004 and signed with AEW in 2019. He previously competed in WWE as Neville, holding the NXT and Cruiserweight Championships. In AEW, he was part of the Death Triangle and won the Trios Championships with Penta. Recent archive notes indicate Bayley was returning to WWE Raw amid contract uncertainty, and Penta had recently faced Roman Reigns for the World Championship.

How outlets are covering it

AEW emphasized Satterley's innovative high-flying moves and his tenure since 2019, while the Daily Herald and New York Post focused on the circumstances of his death, noting no foul play and pending autopsy results. WWE highlighted tributes from current stars like Becky Lynch and Bayley, whereas AEW planned a dedicated tribute show on Dynamite. The New York Post reported that Satterley was found slumped in a car outside a restaurant, with witnesses attempting to assist before emergency services arrived.

Why it matters

The sudden death of a prominent figure in professional wrestling highlights the unpredictable nature of the industry and the close-knit community that often spans different promotions. Tributes across WWE and AEW underscore the respect and camaraderie among wrestlers, despite their competitive rivalries.

What to watch

AEW is scheduled to air a tribute show on Wednesday's Dynamite. The Cook County medical examiner's office will release the cause of death after additional testing, which could take weeks. WWE and AEW are expected to continue honoring Satterley in upcoming events and media appearances.