AEW wrestling star Pac dies at 40

English professional wrestler Benjamin Satterley, known by his ring name Pac, has died at the age of 40, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) announced on Sunday, a day after he competed at the promotion’s All Out pay-per-view event near Chicago.

AEW said Satterley, a native of Newcastle upon Tyne, began his wrestling career in 2004 and went on to perform for organisations around the world, becoming known for his high-flying moves and in-ring ability.

“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,” AEW said, while extending its condolences to his family, friends and fans.

The circumstances and cause of his death were not provided.

Satterley previously wrestled for WWE under the ring name Neville, where he became known for his aerial attacks and explosive style. He earned nicknames including “King of the Cruiserweights” and “The Man That Gravity Forgot”.

His death was announced a day after he competed at AEW’s All Out event, where he faced Andrade El Ídolo.

Satterley became the inaugural AEW All-Atlantic Champion in 2022, before the title was renamed the AEW International Championship. He also won the AEW World Trios Championship alongside Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta at Wembley Stadium in 2024.

Since joining AEW in 2019, Satterley had wrestled 147 matches, recording 94 wins, 47 losses and four draws, according to AEW.

He also competed for Japanese promotions Dragongate and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, as well as Mexico’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL).

Tributes have followed from wrestlers and organisations around the world.

AEW wrestler Nick Wayne recalled speaking with Satterley in 2024 after watching him compete, describing his “conversations, advice, and positive thoughts going into things” as something he “always cherished”.

“PAC is one of the greatest innovators and Professional Wrestlers to ever do it,” Wayne wrote on X.

English wrestler Will Ospreay, who faced Satterley several times in the ring, described him as “the greatest export from our country. Also the greatest human being.”

New Japan Pro-Wrestling said it was “deeply saddened” by his death, while CMLL said it would “remember his extraordinary professionalism, dedication, and respect in every appearance in Mexico”.

Satterley’s death comes weeks after another AEW wrestler, Andy Williams, known professionally as The Butcher, died after collapsing during an independent match in Pennsylvania, according to AEW. He was 48.