WWE Releases 40-Minute Tribute Video for Late Star Pac as Cause of Death Remains Under Investigation

Key points

• WWE published a special tribute video on its official YouTube channel featuring memories of Pac from Kevin Owens, Becky Lynch, Cody Rhodes, Bayley, Sami Zayn, William Regal, Finn Balor, Corey Graves, and others, including Penta and Rey Fenix from his AEW era.
• Benjamin Satterley was found dead in a rental car in the parking lot of a CAVA restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, on September 27, 2026, one day after competing at AEW All Out.
• Police reports indicate medication was found in his backpack and saliva on his shirt, but no suspicious marks or injuries were noted; the cause of death is pending additional testing by the Cook County Medical Examiner.
• Satterley’s phone showed Google Maps routing him to O’Hare Airport, and a woman who spoke to him earlier that day confirmed he was heading to lunch before his delayed flight back to the UK.
• The tribute video was recorded during recent TV tapings and highlights the personal connections Satterley had with WWE talent, despite his final years being spent in AEW.

Background

Benjamin Satterley, a high-flying innovator, held multiple championships across WWE and AEW, including the WWE Cruiserweight and NXT titles, as well as the AEW World Trios and All-Atlantic titles. He joined AEW in 2019 and was a day-one member, wrestling at the first All Out event. His death at age 40 on September 27, 2026, prompted widespread tributes across the pro wrestling industry, with AEW dedicating an episode of Dynamite to his memory on September 30. WWE had previously aired in memoriam graphics on its broadcast shows, but the new video marks a more extensive, personal tribute from its roster.

How outlets are covering it

Cageside Seats and Sports Illustrated emphasize the emotional impact of the WWE tribute video, noting the vulnerability and sincerity of the Superstars’ contributions, particularly from Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes. New York Post and USA Today focus on the forensic details from the police report, highlighting the presence of medication and saliva at the scene, while stressing that the cause of death remains under investigation. All sources agree that Satterley’s death was sudden and unexpected, with no signs of foul play, but they differ in emphasis: the wrestling media outlets prioritize the industry’s mourning process, while the news outlets detail the circumstances of his passing. Some fans, as noted in Cageside Seats comments, praised WWE for allowing talent to use his AEW name, Pac, in the tribute, viewing it as a positive step toward cross-promotional respect.

Why it matters

The release of the WWE tribute video underscores the deep personal connections Satterley had with the WWE roster, despite his final years being spent in AEW. It also highlights the industry’s growing willingness to openly grieve and acknowledge loss, setting a precedent for how promotions handle the passing of stars. The ongoing investigation into his death, with no cause yet determined, continues to draw attention to the circumstances surrounding his passing, while the tribute serves as a unifying moment for the pro wrestling community.

What to watch

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to release the cause and manner of death after additional testing, which could take several weeks. The pro wrestling industry is likely to continue honoring Satterley’s legacy through future tributes and events, with AEW and WWE both having already dedicated significant airtime to his memory. The tribute video may also influence how other promotions handle similar situations in the future, potentially fostering more open and personal memorials across the industry.