WWE’s Penta honors late rival Pac with boot tribute after wrestler’s sudden death

Key points

• Benjamin Satterley, known as Pac in AEW and Neville in WWE, was found dead on Sunday at age 40.
• Satterley died hours after competing against Andrade El Idolo at the AEW All Out event in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
• WWE star Penta paid tribute to Satterley during Monday Night Raw by appearing with 'Pac' written on his left boot.
• The Des Plaines Police Department stated there are no indications of foul play, and the cause of death is pending medical examiner review.
• Satterley was a native of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and had been with AEW since 2019, holding multiple championships.

Background

Satterley was a prominent figure in professional wrestling, having competed in WWE as Adrian Neville and later as Neville before joining AEW in 2019. He was known for his high-flying style and held titles including the AEW World Trios Championship and the inaugural All-Atlantic Championship. His death occurred shortly after the AEW All Out pay-per-view event, which took place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

How outlets are covering it

OutKick highlighted the emotional response within the wrestling community, specifically noting WWE star Penta’s subtle tribute during Monday Night Raw, where he wore boots with 'Pac' emblazoned on them. Daily Herald and New York Post focused on the factual circumstances of the death, reporting that Satterley was found slumped in a rental car outside a CAVA restaurant in Des Plaines at approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday. The New York Post cited 911 audio describing him as a 'slumper' with no confirmed breathing, while Daily Herald noted that an autopsy was performed on Monday, with results pending. AEW’s official statement emphasized his legacy as an innovative performer who captivated fans worldwide. All sources agreed that police found no suspicious circumstances, though the specific cause of death remains under investigation by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Why it matters

The sudden death of a high-profile wrestler like Pac has shaken the professional wrestling community, prompting tributes from peers across both AEW and WWE. The incident highlights the physical demands of the sport and the ongoing scrutiny regarding athlete health and safety. The public mourning and specific tributes, such as Penta’s boot gesture, demonstrate the close-knit nature of the wrestling world despite competitive rivalries.

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 weeks. The wrestling industry will likely continue to observe periods of mourning and tribute during upcoming events. No further official statements from AEW or WWE regarding the circumstances have been released beyond initial condolences.