Benjamin Satterley, the 40-year-old professional wrestler known worldwide as PAC, died from bronchial asthma just one day after performing at a major wrestling event, sending shockwaves through the sports entertainment community and highlighting the deadly risks of this common respiratory condition.
Sudden Death Stuns Wrestling World
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office in Illinois confirmed Friday that Satterley died September 27 from bronchial asthma complications. He had competed the previous night at All Elite Wrestling’s pay-per-view event. Authorities discovered him in Des Plaines, Illinois, approximately two miles north of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The wrestler had just performed before thousands of fans, showing no apparent signs of the medical emergency that would claim his life hours later.
Satterley’s wife Natalie expressed her grief on social media, thanking him for their life together. She wrote that the family would work to support each other through the tragedy, acknowledging they would miss him constantly. The couple shared their home with Wolfie, their beloved sausage dog.
British Star’s American Success
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Satterley built his career through Britain’s independent wrestling circuit before expanding to Japan and the United States. He wrestled for major organizations including All Elite Wrestling, World Wrestling Entertainment under the name Adrian Neville, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and Mexican promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre. His hard-hitting style and aerial abilities earned him recognition across three continents.
At AEW, Satterley adopted the persona known as The Bastard, captivating audiences with his athletic precision and intense performances. Fellow wrestler Marina Shafir, who worked alongside him in the Death Riders group, praised his humble nature despite his extraordinary talents. She credited him with directly influencing her career, stating she would not have achieved her current success without his mentorship.
Legacy Of Excellence And Character
AEW dedicated its weekly television program to honoring Satterley, with family members providing a statement read during the broadcast. They emphasized his reputation as one of Britain’s greatest wrestlers while highlighting his character off-camera. The family described him as a decent human being who lived by strong principles, devoted to his loved ones and his pet. The tribute show celebrated his nickname, The Man That Gravity Forgot, referencing his spectacular aerial wrestling moves that defied physics and thrilled audiences worldwide for two decades.