The wrestling world has been left stunned after it was revealed that AEW star PAC has died at the age of 40, just hours after performing in a huge pay-per-view show.
The English-born wrestler, real name Benjamin Satterley, competed live on HBO Max against Andrade El Idolo for the AEW National Championship in Chicago on Saturday night, eventually losing and shaking his opponent’s hand.
He then appeared on the PPV event again shortly after, returning during the main event – a World Championship match-up between Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay.
Just hours later, AEW confirmed the tragic news of PAC’s passing, but no cause of death or further details have yet been revealed.
In a statement, AEW said: ‘All Elite Wrestling is saddened to announce the passing of Benjamin Satterley, aka Pac.
‘A native of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Satterley began his wrestling career in 2004 and went on to perform for wrestling organizations all over the world, captivating fans with innovative high-flying moves and incredible in-ring ability.
Wrestling star PAC has died just hours after performing on AEW’s latest PPV event in Chicago
Then performing in WWE as Adrian Neville, the wrestling icon is seen at Wrestlemania in 2017
‘Pac signed with All Elite Wrestling in 2019 and held multiple AEW Championships and competed in some of the most memorable matches in AEW history. Our condolences go out to Satterley’s family, friends and fans.’
Satterley had also previously competed in WWE under the alias ‘Neville’ from 2012 to 2018, once again known for his high-flying acrobatics.
On social media, fans were stunned to hear of the tragic news, with one writing: ‘I’m completely lost for words, I just saw him on Wednesday. RIP PAC.’
Another added: ‘In complete and total shock. There aren’t words enough to describe how gutting this is. One of the greatest high flyers of his generation, still in his prime right now… nothing about this feels right or real…’
Retired wrestler and WWE exec Adam Pearce, meanwhile, posted on X: ‘I’m speechless. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and everyone affected by the passing of Pac.
‘Ben, you were an incredible performer. I truly enjoyed every interaction we had…even the ones that sucked. It was a pleasure to be around your passion, to watch you work, and to work alongside you. Godspeed, Bastard Pac. Rest well, my friend.’
Satterley hailed from Newcastle in the United Kingdom, and is seen posing there back in 2014
PAC was well-known around the world for his high-flying ability and he competed on Saturday
Tributes poured in from around the world for the wrestling legend after his death at just 40
WWE Diva Rhea Ripley said: ‘What a tragic day. What an extremely talented person. Speechless… RIP PAC.’
Satterley was something of a globe-trotter in the wrestling world, first competing in the United Kingdom and also appearing in the likes of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Mexico’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre.
He earned himself the nickname ‘The Man That Gravity Forgot’ for his high-flying tricks, which garnered him a huge following around the world.
While at AEW, he won the All-Atlantic Championship in 2022 and became most famous as part of the ‘Death Riders’ group, alongside fellow members Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta.
