Benjamin Satterley, known as Pac in All Elite Wrestling, died from bronchial asthma hours after competing at an AEW event near Chicago. The Cook County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death, revealing that the 40-year-old English wrestler passed away shortly after 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, at an address in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Satterley had wrestled the previous day at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, a northern suburb of Chicago. He took part in the AEW National Championship match against Andrade El Ídolo but came up short. Fans and attendees were shocked when news of his death emerged less than 24 hours later.
Jayson Weidman, who attended the event, described the wrestler’s performance and presence. “Pac wrestled in Saturday’s opening match and later returned during the main event. He looked healthy as can be, and it’s unbelievable how less than 24 hours, he could possibly be gone,” Weidman said. He added that he had bought his ticket specifically to be close to Pac and his group, the Death Riders, calling the experience “such a special moment.”
Satterley, who began wrestling in 2004 and was originally from Newcastle upon Tyne, England, gained international recognition performing under the ring name Adrian Neville in WWE from 2012 to 2018. He signed with AEW in 2019, where he became the inaugural AEW International Champion and a two-time AEW World Trios Champion.
Known for his high-flying moves and athleticism, Satterley earned nicknames like “The Super Superman” and “The Man That Gravity Forgot.” His booking agency, MN2S, noted that his interest in wrestling was inspired by his aunt, a WWF fan, and he began training at 18 years old.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office had initially stated that determining the exact cause of death might take several weeks, but the official report now confirms bronchial asthma as the reason. Satterley died at 2761 Mannheim Road in Des Plaines. A staff member at a restaurant near the location said Satterley never entered the establishment. Fans left tributes outside the site, including a vase placed on the sidewalk.
AEW paid tribute to Satterley on its official Facebook page, writing: “The very best of us. Truly one of a kind. We love you and we miss you, Ben. We always will.” Fellow wrestler Will Ospreay expressed his condolences on the social media platform X, calling Satterley “the greatest export from our country” and “the greatest human being.” Ospreay added, “Honored to have shared the ring with you so many times. You truly are such a hero to myself and many others.”
Satterley’s death has left fans and colleagues mourning worldwide. Weidman emphasized the impact Satterley had beyond his wrestling achievements: “It’s going to be about how they make the fans feel and how they connect with them and how they just improve the lives of those that are around them.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
According to Yahoo Sports.
