AEW Star Pac Dies at 40, One Day After All Out Title Match
Benjamin Satterley, the professional wrestler known as Pac in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Adrian Neville in WWE, has died at age 40. AEW confirmed 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. Satterley, a native of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, was celebrated for his high-flying style and held multiple championships across major promotions, including the AEW World Trios and All-Atlantic titles, as well as the WWE NXT and Cruiserweight championships. No cause of death has been released, and tributes from peers like Will Ospreay and Tony Khan have poured in.
Key points
- AEW announced the death of Benjamin Satterley, aka Pac, on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at age 40.
- Satterley competed in the opening match of AEW All Out on Saturday, September 26, losing the AEW National Championship to Andrade El Ídolo in a near 20-minute bout.
- He was a two-time AEW World Trios Champion and the inaugural AEW All-Atlantic Champion, as well as a former WWE NXT and Cruiserweight Champion.
- No cause of death has been provided by AEW or other outlets as of the latest reports.
- Tributes from AEW founder Tony Khan and wrestlers like Will Ospreay and Marina Shafir highlighted his impact on the industry and personal relationships.
Background
Satterley began his career in 2004 on the British independent circuit before joining WWE in 2012, where he became a standout in the Cruiserweight division. He left WWE in 2018 and joined AEW in 2019, becoming a key figure in factions like Death Triangle and Death Riders. Our archive notes that AEW had recently expanded its roster with high-profile signings, but Satterley’s death marks a significant loss for the promotion’s core talent.
How outlets are covering it
Bleacher Report and USA Today emphasize Satterley’s championship pedigree and his final match at All Out, while NBC News provides deeper personal context, including his early struggles and his nickname 'The Bastard.' AEW’s official statement focuses on his global impact and condolences, whereas NBC highlights his shyness outside the ring. All outlets agree on the timeline and lack of a cause of death, but NBC offers the most detailed personal anecdotes, while Bleacher Report and USA Today focus on his in-ring legacy.
Why it matters
Satterley’s death is a significant loss for the professional wrestling world, as he was one of the most respected high-flyers and a key figure in AEW’s rise. His passing one day after a major pay-per-view match underscores the suddenness of the event and has prompted widespread grief across the industry.
What to watch
AEW and WWE are expected to hold memorial events or tributes in the coming days. The cause of death remains unknown, and further details may emerge as the situation is investigated. Fans and peers are expected to continue sharing tributes on social media.
- 'Pac' Benjamin Satterley Dies at Age 40, Won Championships in AEW and WWE Bleacher Report
- All Elite Wrestling Announces Passing of Benjamin Satterley, aka Pac AEW
- Benjamin Satterley, globetrotting wrestler known as PAC, dies at 40 NBC News
- AEW wrestler Pac dead at 40; wrestled in WWE as Neville usatoday.com
- Benjamin Satterley, pro wrestling star known as Pac, dead at 40 Fox News
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