Tributes pour in for the Newcastle-born high-flyer, whose death was announced just a day after he appeared at AEW’s All Out event in Chicago.
British professional wrestler Benjamin Satterley, who performed as Pac, has died at the age of 40, his representatives have confirmed.
Death announced a day after Chicago appearance
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) said it was saddened to announce Satterley’s passing. The news came only a day after he took part in the promotion’s All Out event at an arena in Chicago on Saturday evening. No cause of death has been given.
AEW said Satterley joined the company in 2019. He went on to hold several AEW championships and, according to the organisation, took part in some of the most memorable matches in its history.
A global career from Newcastle
A native of Newcastle upon Tyne, Satterley began wrestling in 2004 and built a career that took him around the world. Before AEW, he worked for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Mexico’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre.
He wrestled under several identities, including Pac and Adrian Neville, and was nicknamed “The Man that Gravity Forgot.” The nickname referred to his signature finishing move, in which he spun through 360 degrees from the top rope before landing on his opponent.
Tributes from across the industry
Many of those paying tribute said they were shocked by the news.
WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman called it a “truly terrible loss” and described Satterley as a tremendous talent and an even finer human being. AEW President Tony Khan said he defined excellence, both as a husband and friend and through his knowledge of wrestling, his skill and his athleticism.
Fellow British wrestler Will Ospreay posted a photo of the two of them in the ring on X, calling Satterley the greatest export from the country and the greatest human being. AEW wrestler Evil Uno said he was in shock and that the news was heartbreaking. “We have lost another great person,” he added, calling Satterley a true professional.
“A Geordie lad who took on the wrestling world”
Tom Campbell, a commentator with the Newcastle-based Cultaholic Wrestling YouTube channel, called Satterley a North East legend and “one of one.” Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, he said it had been a privilege to work with him and watch him perform. He described him as a Geordie lad who took on the entire wrestling world and left a mark that would not be forgotten.
