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28 September 2026

Former WWE star Pac passes away at 40, celebrated high-flyer

British high‑flyer Pac, a former WWE and AEW champion, has died at 40, sparking an outpouring of grief across the wrestling community.

Former WWE star Pac passes away at 40, celebrated high-flyer

All Elite Wrestling confirmed on Sunday that Benjamin Satterley, widely recognized by his ring name Pac passed away at the age of 40. The announcement came just hours after Pac competed in the opening bout of the All Out pay-per-view in Chicago, where he faced the AEW National Champion Andrade El Ídolo. Although he fell short in the 20-minute contest, his performance reminded fans why he was celebrated as one of the most innovative high-flying performers of his generation.

Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Satterley entered professional wrestling in 2004 when he was only 16 years old, cutting his teeth on the vibrant UK independent scene. His early years saw him adopt the moniker “The Man That Gravity Forgot,” a nickname that foreshadowed the aerial artistry that would become his trademark. By the time he stepped onto the stage of New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2012, Pac had already built a reputation for daring maneuvers and relentless intensity.

From the indie circuit to WWE: the rise of Neville

Later in 2012, Satterley signed with World Wrestling Entertainment, where he was rebranded as Adrian Neville. In WWE’s developmental brand NXT he quickly rose to prominence, capturing the NXT Tag Team Championship alongside Oliver Grey, and later becoming the sole holder of the NXT Championship. His high-energy style, combined with technical precision, made him a central figure in NXT’s ascent as a premier wrestling product.

When Neville debuted on the main roster in 2015, his moniker shifted to “The Man That Gravity Forgot,” underscoring his reputation for daring aerial offense. During his tenure on Raw and SmackDown he secured the Cruiserweight Championship twice, delivering unforgettable matches that blended speed, innovation, and storytelling.

AEW chapter: trios glory and the All-Atlantic title

After parting ways with WWE in 2018, Pac joined the newly formed All Elite Wrestling in 2019, becoming one of the promotion’s earliest signings. His arrival coincided with AEW’s inaugural All Out event, where he defeated Kenny Omega in a match that set the tone for the company’s high-caliber wrestling style. Over the next years, Pac aligned with the faction Death Triangle teaming with Penta El Zero M and Rey Fénix to claim the AEW World Trios Championship twice.

In 2022, AEW introduced the All-Atlantic Championship later renamed the International Championship, and Pac was crowned its first holder. The title symbolized his global appeal, reflecting a career that spanned continents and promotions. In 2024, he briefly joined Jon Moxley’s “Death Riders” group, demonstrating his ability to adapt to evolving storylines while maintaining his core high-flying identity.

Final match, sudden loss, and worldwide tributes

Pac’s last appearance came on September 26 2026 at the All Out pay-per-view in Chicago, where he challenged Andrade El Ídolo for the National Championship. Although he did not win, the bout was a showcase of his enduring athleticism, featuring several signature flips and springboard attacks that elicited chants from the crowd.

Following the event, AEW and numerous wrestling personalities expressed their sorrow on social media. Fellow wrestlers such as Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher, Dustin Rhodes, and even veteran Paul Heyman posted heartfelt messages, highlighting Pac’s kindness, professionalism, and impact on the sport. Fans worldwide echoed the sentiment, using hashtags like #RIPPac and sharing memories of his most iconic matches.

While the cause of death was not disclosed, the wrestling community united in grief, emphasizing that Pac’s legacy would endure through his groundbreaking high-flying style and his contributions to both WWE and AEW. Tributes stressed not only his in-ring talent but also his reputation as a supportive locker-room presence.

Author

Henry Anderson

Henry Anderson of Edinburgh, sharp-corporate in demeanour, famously argued to run a council budget deep-dive after a packed Holyrood briefing, choosing public-accountability over easy headlines. Prefers evidence-led interrogation of institutions and collects annotated maps of the Lothians as a private quirk.