British wrestler Benjamin Satterley dies at 40 a day after AEW All Out match

Sudden death after Chicago pay-per-view

English professional wrestler Benjamin Satterley, who performed under the ring name Pac in All Elite Wrestling and Neville in WWE, died on 27 September 2026 at age 40. All Elite Wrestling announced his death late Sunday evening, approximately 24 hours after his final appearance in the ring. On Saturday, 26 September 2026, Satterley competed against Andrade El Ídolo for the AEW National Championship at the NOW Arena in Chicago, Illinois. He lost the championship contest and subsequently appeared during the event's main match later that night. Satterley was found dead the following day. Authorities opened an investigation into the circumstances, while promotional officials did not state a cause of death.

Rise through independent circuits and WWE

Born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1986, Satterley began his wrestling training at age 18 after discovering the sport through his aunt, according to booking agency MN2S. He made his professional debut in 2004, earning the nicknames "The Man That Gravity Forgot" and "The Super Superman" for his acrobatics and Black Arrow finisher. His international career expanded in 2006 with appearances in California for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla against El Generico, followed by bouts in Japan with Dragon Gate against CIMA, Ricochet, and Dragon Kid. He also wrestled for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre in Mexico, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and Portuguese promotions in Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, and Mangualde. In 2012, Satterley signed with WWE under the name Adrian Neville, winning the NXT Tag Team Championship with Oliver Grey and defeating Bo Dallas for the NXT Championship. He held the NXT title for more than 280 days before dropping it to Sami Zayn, eventually advancing to WWE's main roster in 2015 for matches with Seth Rollins and John Cena, and securing a 197-day reign with the Cruiserweight Championship.

Championship success in AEW

Satterley left WWE in 2018, returned to Japan to win Dragon Gate's Open the Dream Gate Championship in December of that year, and signed with All Elite Wrestling in January 2019. In AEW, he became the inaugural All-Atlantic Champion, a title later redesignated as the International Championship. He also captured the AEW World Trios Championship twice with two separate factions. His first trios reign came alongside Penta and Rey Fénix in the group Death Triangle, while his second title win was alongside Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta in the Death Riders. His death occurred three weeks after the passing of fellow AEW wrestler Andy Williams, known in the ring as The Butcher.

Industry reactions and tributes

Following the announcement, wrestlers and promotion officials published tributes honoring Satterley's 22-year career in international wrestling. Colleagues described him as a private and generous individual outside the ring who contrasted with his aggressive on-screen persona. All Elite Wrestling released an official statement reflecting on his legacy and aerial repertoire.

“He captivated fans with innovative aerial moves and incredible in-ring ability.”

AEW President Tony Khan commended Satterley for his professionalism, talent, and athleticism during his tenure with the promotion. AEW World Champion Will Ospreay also paid tribute to Satterley's influence on British wrestling.

“He was the greatest talent exported from our country and a hero for me and for many others.”