Image Source: Fox News
WWE wrestlers, AEW performers and pro wrestling fans are mourning the sudden death of Benjamin Satterley, the acclaimed British star known as Pac in All Elite Wrestling and Adrian Neville in WWE. Satterley was 40.
The wrestler was found dead in Illinois on Sunday, September 27, hours after competing for the AEW National Championship at All Out. The Des Plaines Police Department told OutKick Dropkick that there were no indications of foul play and that the circumstances surrounding Satterley’s death were not considered suspicious.
Police said the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death. That information had not been released when the report was published.
Shocking Details Emerge in Pac’s Death
According to a report citing 911 audio, Satterley was found “passed out” outside a CAVA restaurant at approximately 4 p.m. local time. An official who arrived at the scene reportedly said the wrestler was dead on arrival.
The circumstances have stunned the wrestling world, particularly because Satterley had performed earlier that day. His death quickly prompted tributes from AEW, WWE officials, former colleagues and fans who admired his athleticism and distinctive high-flying style.
AEW announced the news late Sunday, describing Satterley as a performer who captivated audiences with innovative moves and exceptional in-ring ability. The company said he had competed around the world since beginning his wrestling career in 2004.
WWE Wrestlers Remember Adrian Neville
Before joining AEW, Satterley built a major following as Adrian Neville in WWE. He became one of the standout performers of the NXT era and was recognized for his speed, technical skill and spectacular aerial offense.
His WWE accomplishments included:
- Winning the NXT Championship
- Capturing the NXT Tag Team Championship twice
- Becoming a two-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion
- Establishing himself as one of the company’s most exciting high-flying performers
Satterley signed with AEW in 2019 as one of the promotion’s early additions. Wrestling as Pac, he became a two-time trios champion and the inaugural All-Atlantic Champion. His matches were frequently praised for their intensity, creativity and physical precision.
AEW owner Tony Khan called Satterley a beloved husband and friend while praising his wrestling knowledge, athleticism, professionalism, consistency and dedication to the sport.
Emotional Tributes From WWE Leaders
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque also shared an emotional tribute. Levesque remembered working with Satterley during the early days of NXT and credited him as a major force behind the brand’s growth.
“He was an extraordinary talent and even kinder human being,” Levesque wrote in a tribute shared on social media.
The message reflected Satterley’s influence beyond championship records. Although his WWE career was highlighted by memorable title runs, his reputation among peers was equally important. Fellow wrestlers often described him as disciplined, inventive and deeply committed to improving his craft.
A Lasting Legacy Across Professional Wrestling
Satterley’s career stretched across WWE, AEW and several international wrestling organizations. His ability to combine remarkable athleticism with hard-hitting offense made him a standout in an era filled with talented performers.
For many fans, Adrian Neville represented the rise of NXT as a serious destination for emerging stars. For AEW viewers, Pac became a veteran presence capable of delivering high-level matches in singles and tag team competition.
The unanswered questions surrounding his death have added to the shock. Authorities have not indicated criminal activity, and the official cause remains pending. Until the medical examiner releases further information, the wrestling community is left to remember Satterley through his performances and the tributes from those who knew him.
His death affects WWE wrestlers, AEW colleagues, wrestling promoters and fans around the world. The outpouring of grief underscores how strongly Satterley connected with audiences during a career that lasted more than two decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pac?
Pac was the AEW ring name of Benjamin Satterley, a professional wrestler from Newcastle upon Tyne, England. He previously performed as Adrian Neville in WWE.
How old was Pac when he died?
Benjamin Satterley was 40 years old at the time of his death.
What was Pac’s cause of death?
The cause of death had not been determined when the report was published. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to provide that information.
Did police suspect foul play?
The Des Plaines Police Department told OutKick Dropkick that there were no indications of foul play and that the circumstances were not considered suspicious.
What championships did Pac win?
In AEW, Pac was a two-time trios champion and the inaugural All-Atlantic Champion. In WWE, he won the NXT Championship, two NXT Tag Team Championships and two Cruiserweight Championships.
