AEW Star Benjamin Satterley Dies at 40, One Day After Final Match

Key points

• Benjamin Satterley, known as Pac in AEW and Adrian Neville in WWE, died at age 40 on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
• Satterley competed in the opening match of the AEW All Out pay-per-view in Chicago on Saturday, September 26, 2026, losing to Andrade El Idolo for the AEW National Championship.
• AEW president Tony Khan and the company announced his passing on social media, with no cause of death provided.
• Satterley was a native of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and began his wrestling career in 2004, performing for organizations worldwide, including AEW, WWE, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre.
• In AEW, Satterley was the inaugural All-Atlantic Champion and a two-time Trios Champion, competing in factions like Death Triangle and Death Riders.
• In WWE, he was a two-time Cruiserweight Champion, NXT Champion, and two-time NXT Tag Team Champion, known for his high-flying style and nickname 'The Man That Gravity Forgot.'

Background

Satterley's death follows the recent passing of fellow AEW wrestler Andy 'The Butcher' Williams at age 48 on September 9, 2026, after collapsing during an independent promotion match in Pittsburgh. Satterley's career spanned over two decades, with notable stints in WWE (2012-2018) and AEW (2019-2026), where he was known for his innovative high-flying moves and physical submission holds like the Brutalizer.

How outlets are covering it

All four sources (New York Post, Fox News, NBC News, and Bleacher Report) confirm Satterley's death at age 40, his final match at All Out, and the lack of a stated cause of death. The New York Post and Fox News emphasize his AEW achievements and the timing of his death relative to the All Out event. NBC News provides deeper background on his early career, including his time working at a courier factory and his psychological struggles with insecurity, as well as tributes from colleagues like Will Ospreay and Marina Shafir. Bleacher Report focuses on his championship history across WWE and AEW, highlighting his high-flying reputation and rivalries with wrestlers like Adam Page and Kenny Omega. No significant disagreements exist among the outlets, but NBC News offers the most detailed personal and career context.

Why it matters

Satterley's death marks the loss of one of professional wrestling's most versatile and innovative performers, known for bridging high-flying athleticism with hard-hitting submissions. His passing underscores the physical toll of the sport and the global impact of wrestlers who compete across multiple major promotions. Tributes from peers and fans highlight his influence on the industry and his personal connections within the wrestling community.

What to watch

AEW and the broader wrestling industry are expected to hold tributes and memorial events for Satterley. Investigations into the cause of death may follow, though no official details have been released. Fans and colleagues are likely to continue sharing memories and honors for Satterley on social media and at upcoming events.