Key Highlights:
- British professional wrestling star Benjamin Satterley, known globally as Pac, passed away from bronchial asthma at age 40.
- Officials in Cook County, Illinois, confirmed the cause of death as bronchial asthma and determined the manner of passing to be natural.
- Satterley passed away on 27 September, just one day after performing in his final wrestling bout against Andrade El Idolo at AEW’s All Out event in Chicago.
Medical Examiner Confirms Cause of Death for Benjamin Satterley
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office in Illinois has determined that acclaimed British professional wrestler Benjamin Satterley died from bronchial asthma, according to reports. The Newcastle upon Tyne native, internationally revered by fans under his ring name “Pac,” passed away at the age of 40 on 27 September. Official findings released on Friday (16 October) classified the manner of his passing as natural, per reporting by the New York Post.
The tragic news came merely twenty-four hours after Satterley stepped inside the ring for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at the promotion’s All Out pay-per-view event held in Chicago, Illinois. During that final appearance, Satterley competed in the event’s opening match, where he was defeated by fellow wrestling star Andrade El Idolo.
Wife Natalie Satterley Shares Heartbreaking Eulogy
In the wake of his sudden death, tributes have arrived from peers, fans, and colleagues across the sports entertainment landscape. Satterley’s wife, Natalie Satterley, took to Instagram to share a poignant message honoring the life and partnership they cultivated over two decades.
Her tribute read: “Twenty one years ago we became friends, nineteen years ago we fell in love and eleven years ago we were married. Two souls entwined in one; my best friend and better half. “You always worked so incredibly hard to ensure we would have a great life together, both now and once you had retired. The cruelty of having all of our future hopes and dreams snatched away will never feel real. “You were so excited to get home to us, you were going to shoot hoops all week with your best mates, we were going to set up your new home gym and take Wilfie for some autumnal walks, have pizza at Rudy’s on your cheat day, go to the match, see Sam Campbell live. We’re all just waiting for you to walk through the door again darling, and the idea that will never happen is beyond comprehension.” She expressed the deep grief of living through the “nightmare” of his absence, stating: “We will miss you every minute, of every hour, of every day. Love you eternally pet.”
An Innovator’s Legacy: From WWE’s Adrian Neville to AEW Champion
Benjamin Satterley began his journey in professional wrestling in 2004, honing his craft across independent promotions worldwide before rising to international stardom. Under the banner of WWE, he wrestled under the ring name “Adrian Neville,” earning accolades such as “The Man That Gravity Forgot” and “King of the Cruiserweights” due to his high-flying innovation and unmatched athleticism.
Transitioning to All Elite Wrestling in 2019 under the moniker Pac, Satterley cemented his status as a premier performer. He became the inaugural AEW All-Atlantic Champion in 2022 and later captured the AEW World Trios Championship. AEW honored his contribution to the company, noting he had been involved in “some of the most memorable matches in AEW history.”
In a social media tribute, AEW expressed how deeply it was “saddened” by his passing: “A native of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Satterley began his wrestling career in 2004 and went on to perform for wrestling organisations all over the world, captivating fans with innovative high-flying moves and incredible in-ring ability,” the promotion stated. “Pac signed with All Elite Wrestling in 2019 and held multiple AEW Championships and competed in some of the most memorable matches in AEW history.”Our condolences go out to Satterley’s family, friends and fans.”
Peers throughout the industry shared their respect for the late star. WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman called his death a “truly terrible loss,” adding: “He was a tremendous talent and even finer human being”. Fellow AEW competitor Evil Uno voiced his sorrow, writing: “I am in shock. This is heartbreaking. We have lost another great person, a great soul, a true professional.” Wrestler Nick Wayne also recalled Satterley’s profound influence behind the scenes: “His conversations, advice, and positive thoughts going into things is something I always cherished.”Pac is one of the greatest innovators and Professional Wrestlers to ever do it.”
Why This Matters
Benjamin Satterley’s passing marks the loss of one of modern professional wrestling’s most influential high-flying innovators. His distinct style helped reshape the cruiserweight division in WWE and laid foundational groundwork for All Elite Wrestling’s presentation of international athletic talent starting in 2019. The official medical confirmation brings clarity to the sudden loss that shocked the wrestling industry, highlighting the unexpected health crises that can affect elite athletes even at the peak of their performance schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Benjamin Satterley’s cause of death?
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Benjamin Satterley passed away from bronchial asthma. The manner of death was determined by officials to be natural.
What ring names did Benjamin Satterley perform under?
Benjamin Satterley wrestled under the moniker Pac across international promotions and within All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Earlier in his career, he achieved worldwide prominence under the WWE ring name Adrian Neville.
When did Benjamin Satterley wrestle his last match?
Satterley wrestled his final match on 26 September at AEW’s All Out pay-per-view in Chicago, Illinois, competing against Andrade El Idolo. He passed away the following day on 27 September.
