All Elite Wrestling (AEW) confirmed on Sunday that professional wrestler Pac, whose real name is Benjamin Satterley, died at the age of 40. The announcement came just one day after Pac appeared in the main event at the All Out pay‑per‑view in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, where he faced Andrade El Idolo for the national championship.
Career highlights and impact
Pac was among the first athletes to sign with AEW when the promotion launched in 2019. During his tenure he captured the two‑time trios championship and became the inaugural All‑Atlantic champion, helping to establish AEW as a credible alternative to larger wrestling organizations.
Before joining AEW, Pac built a reputation on the independent circuit beginning in 2004, becoming a regular at Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and appearing for Dragon Gate USA, Wrestle Zone Wrestling, One Pro Wrestling, Frontier Wrestling Alliance and other promotions. His high‑flying style earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting performers of his generation.
Previous work in WWE
Under the ring name Adrian Neville, Pac spent several years with WWE. He held the cruiserweight championship twice, captured the NXT championship once, and was a two‑time NXT tag team champion. His work in WWE’s developmental brand helped raise the profile of the cruiserweight division and introduced his athleticism to a broader audience.
Community response
Following the news, wrestlers, promoters, and fans took to social media to share heartfelt tributes. Many expressed shock that the wrestling world had just seen Pac perform at a major event before the tragic announcement. Fellow AEW talent praised his dedication, work ethic, and the inspiration he provided to younger athletes.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated previously ranked Pac as the 11th best wrestler in the world in 2017, a testament to his skill and influence within the sport.
Unclear circumstances
The exact cause of Pac’s death has not been disclosed. OutKick reached out to local authorities and AEW representatives for comment, but no further details were provided at the time of publication.
AEW has indicated that it will honor Pac’s memory during upcoming events and is working with his family to support any memorial arrangements. The wrestling community, known for its close‑knit camaraderie, is expected to rally around his loved ones in the weeks ahead.
Looking forward
While the loss of Pac is a profound blow to the sport, his legacy endures through the matches he left behind and the wrestlers he inspired. Fans and colleagues alike will continue to celebrate his contributions to professional wrestling, both in the United States and abroad.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
