AEW wrestler Pac dead at 40; wrestled in WWE as Neville - USA Today

Benjamin Satterley, a wrestler who competed as Pac in All Elite Wrestling and Neville in WWE, died at the age of 40.

AEW announced his death on Sunday, Sept. 27.

"All Elite Wrestling is saddened to announce the passing of Benjamin Satterley, aka Pac," it stated on social media. "A native of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Satterley began his wrestling career in 2004 and went on to perform for wrestling organizations all over the world, captivating fans with innovative high-flying moves and incredible in-ring ability. 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."

Pac's death is a shock to the wrestling world as he just was in the ring one day prior. He wrestled against Andrade El Idolo for the AEW National Championship at All Out on Saturday, Sept. 26 at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, in what ended up being his final match.

Pac became a prominent star after working his way through the independent scene, joining WWE in 2012. During his six years with the company as Neville, he won the NXT Championship and later became known as the "King of the Cruiserweights," becoming the major talent in the Cruiserweight division. He was a two-time Cruiserweight Champion, including a reign that lasted a then-record of 197 days and featured several classic bouts.

His WWE Championship match against Seth Rollins in 2015 was one of the best matches of the year and considered one of his top performances.

After leaving WWE in late 2017, he became one of the early members of the up-and-coming All Elite Wrestling in January 2019, helping it become of the major wrestling promotions in the world. He enjoyed a successful run in the company, being part of major factions like the Death Triangle and Death Riders, accomplishing several title wins in highly regarded matches in the process.

In more than seven years in AEW, Pac was the inaugural AEW International Championship and a two-time AEW World Trios Champion.

"Benjamin Satterley defined excellence, as a beloved husband & friend to his many loved ones, + in his wrestling knowledge, skill, unprecedented athleticism, professionalism, consistency + dedication to the sport that he loved & traveled the world to pursue," AEW founder and CEO Tony Khan said on social media. "May Ben rest in peace."

Wrestlers and fans across the world expressed their grief in Pac's sudden passing.