Tributes have continued to pour in from across the professional wrestling world following the passing of PAC at the age of 40.
AEW announced on September 27 that PAC, real name Benjamin Satterley, had passed away. In the hours following the announcement, wrestlers and personalities from AEW, WWE and throughout the industry shared memories of Satterley and paid tribute to him as both a performer and a person.
AEW President Tony Khan remembered Satterley for his professionalism, athleticism and dedication to professional wrestling.
“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. May Ben rest in peace.”
Sheamus recalled first seeing PAC wrestle more than two decades ago and immediately recognizing his extraordinary ability.
“I can’t believe it. Ben was an incredible performer and an even better fella. Salt of the earth, humble, a pleasure to be around and loved by everyone in the locker room.”
“I first saw him wrestle in 2005 and couldn’t believe what I was watching. I’d never seen anything like him. He truly defied gravity. Rest in peace, Ben. There won’t be another like you.”
Paul Heyman expressed his shock at the news:
“Oh no. No no no no no no no.
“What a tremendous talent and even finer human being. My most profound condolences to all who knew him. A truly terrible loss!”
Will Ospreay, who shared the ring with PAC on numerous occasions, described him as both an inspiration and one of Britain’s greatest wrestling exports.
“The greatest export from our country. Also the greatest human being.
“Honoured to have shared the ring with you so many times. You truly are such a hero to myself and many others.
“Forever our BASTARD. RIP Pac.”
Kyle Fletcher also described PAC as one of his wrestling heroes before getting the opportunity to know him personally.
“PAC is one of my favorite wrestlers of all time. I was lucky enough to meet my hero, work with my hero, but even more lucky to get to know him. He was a better man than I ever could have hoped for.
“I am heartbroken. I love you, Ben. Rest easy mate.”
WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce remembered both PAC’s ability and the interactions they shared.
“I’m speechless. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and everyone affected by the passing of Pac.
“Ben, you were an incredible performer. I truly enjoyed every interaction we had…even the ones that sucked. It was a pleasure to be around your passion, to watch you work, and to work alongside you. Godspeed, Bastard Pac.
“Rest well, my friend.”
Paige called Satterley “truly one of the best” while expressing her condolences to his family and those who knew him.
“This is heartbreaking.. sending so much love to his family and everyone else who was lucky enough to know him personally and to all who got to watch him perform and witness the greatness that was that man. Rest in power Ben.”
Dustin Rhodes wrote:
“Omg!! So sorry to hear the news about Pac. He was an incredible man and talent loved by us all. I am praying for his family and loved ones. RIP Pac.”
Rhea Ripley also reacted to the news:
“What a tragic day. What an extremely talented person. Speechless… RIP PAC.”
Taz revealed that he had briefly spoken with PAC at the arena the previous night, a final interaction he said he will always remember.
“We shook hands before the show in the hallway at arena briefly last night & we smirked at each other as we both giggled…I’ll remember that forever. He was the best.
“Prayers & condolences to Ben’s family.”
RJ City paid tribute to PAC’s immense respect for professional wrestling.
“The amount of respect, care and commitment he had to wrestling and to being a professional is a line I can’t bear to cross – but let that remind you just how good he was.
“Forever loved, forever respected. What a fucking Bastard.”
Nick Wayne shared a particularly personal memory from AEW All Out 2024, when he told PAC how inspiring his match against Ospreay had been.
According to Wayne, PAC responded:
“Awh Nick, you’re gonna be better than me someday.”
Wayne said PAC continued offering him advice and encouragement over the following two years.
“To have someone that inspired me so heavily have so much belief in me, I almost couldn’t believe that it was HIM saying these things to me.
“PAC is one of the greatest innovators and Professional Wrestlers to ever do it.”
Brandi Rhodes wrote:
“At a complete loss. Ben was always so kind and a pleasure to be around. My heart is broken for his family.”
Rush said he was “truly heartbroken and deeply shocked,” while offering his condolences to Satterley’s family.
Matt Hardy similarly wrote:
“Shocked & stunned about the sudden death of Pac. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family, friends and fans.
“RIP brother.”
Enzo Amore described Satterley as his best friend and said he was in shock over his passing.
“My best friend has passed on, I am absolutely in shock. My prayers are with his wife and family.
“Ben, I love you.
“I’m going to miss you Pac, thank you for being a friend.”
Mustafa Ali remembered PAC’s leadership during their time together in WWE’s cruiserweight division, where PAC performed as Neville.
“Long live the King.
“Ben protected and took care of the cruiserweight brothers every week. I will never forget his kindness. I will never forget the feeling of realizing he is the absolute best all around performer I have been in the ring with. I will never forget him standing up to the machine.
“I will never forget our King.
“Rest easy, Ben.”
PAC competed around the world during a career spanning more than two decades, including runs with WWE, AEW and Dragon Gate. He was known as Neville during his WWE career before later returning to the PAC name and becoming one of AEW’s original roster members.
More tributes from throughout professional wrestling are expected following the news of his passing.
