Benjamin Satterley, a professional wrestler from England and a key figure in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has passed away at the age of 40.
AEW confirmed Satterley’s death, known in the wrestling world as Pac, through their social media platforms on Sunday evening.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. Just the night before, he participated in a match against Andrade el Idolo in Chicago.
Satterley enchanted audiences with “innovative high-flying maneuvers and remarkable in-ring talent … earning multiple AEW Championships and taking part in some of the most unforgettable matches in AEW history,” the organization stated online. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Satterley’s family, friends, and fans.”
Originally hailing from Newcastle, England, Satterley embarked on his wrestling journey in 2004 within the U.K. He performed in independent circuits around the globe, including stints in Japan and Mexico, quickly gaining acclaim for his distinctive blend of acrobatic skills and muscular physique.
His wrestling training began at the age of 18, inspired by his aunt, who was a fan of WWF, according to MN2S, his booking agency.
Satterley, a.k.a. Pac, leaps in the air before landing on Ace Austin. (All Elite Wrestling)
From 2012 to 2018, he was part of World Wrestling Entertainment under the ring name Adrian Neville, where he was an integral part of its developmental territory, NXT, and later in the cruiserweight division.
He joined the newly formed All Elite Wrestling in 2019, where he faced off against and teamed up with many of the promotion’s leading talents. He secured several titles, including being the first international champion.
His signature move, known as the black arrow, involved a twisting corkscrew dive from the top rope, reminiscent of an Olympic diver, but executed onto a downed opponent instead of into water. This earned him the title “The man that gravity forgot.”
For most of the past ten years, Satterley portrayed a formidable antagonist in the ring, often referred to as “The Bastard.”
At times, he brought humor to his villainous persona. In one of AEW’s notable matches in 2020, he played an exasperated counterpart to Orange Cassidy, who is known for his comedic take on wrestling, including slow-motion kicks and competing with his hands in his pockets.
Satterley maintained a low profile outside of wrestling, rarely making appearances or granting interviews outside of his character. However, following the announcement of his passing, numerous tributes from fellow wrestlers and colleagues emerged, depicting him as a skilled, humble performer and a cherished friend.
“Benjamin Satterley exemplified excellence as a loving husband and friend to many, as well as through his wrestling acumen, athletic prowess, professionalism, consistency, and commitment to the sport he cherished,” AEW CEO Tony Khan expressed on X. “May Ben rest in peace.”
“He excelled at everything he did. His work ethic, kindness, and humility were unmatched,” wrote Toronto wrestler Josh Alexander. “When I saw him yesterday, I made sure to tell him about this conversation and remind him that he was truly the best among us. I’m so glad I did.”
Satterley with referee Bryce Remsberg, right, in an undated photo posted on Remsberg’s X account. (Bryce Remsburg/X)
“To many, he was a bastard. To my children, he was Ben — who brought them Kinder Eggs from the U.K. and turned them into Newcastle fans,” AEW referee Bryce Remsberg noted. “To me, he was an amazing friend for two decades. Witnessing a Black Arrow from inside the ring still leaves me breathless.”
Satterley’s death marks the second loss of an AEW wrestler in less than a month.
Earlier in September, Andy Williams, known as The Butcher, passed away after collapsing during an independent wrestling event in Pittsburgh at the age of 48. The Buffalo, N.Y. native was also a guitarist for the metalcore band Every Time I Die.
Satterley, who seldom utilized social media, shared a picture of himself and Williams in the locker room on September 17.
Pro wrestlers Andy Williams, a.k.a. The Butcher, left, and Satterley in an undated photo shared by Satterley on social media on Sept. 17, 2026. (Bastardpac/X)