British wrestling star Benjamin Satterley, known worldwide as PAC, died from bronchial asthma just 24 hours after performing at a major pay-per-view event, revealing the hidden medical dangers even elite athletes face in their prime.
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The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Friday that Satterley, 40, died on September 27 from bronchial asthma. The Newcastle upon Tyne native was found in Des Plaines, Illinois, roughly two miles north of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. His death came one day after he wrestled at All Elite Wrestling’s major All Out pay-per-view event, sending shockwaves through the professional wrestling community.
Satterley had built a reputation as one of Britain’s greatest wrestling exports, earning the nickname “The Man That Gravity Forgot” for his aerial abilities. He performed for top organizations worldwide, including WWE (where he wrestled as Adrian Neville), AEW, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and Mexican promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre. At AEW, he adopted the persona “The Bastard” and became part of the Death Riders stable.
(viaPWInsider)
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Fellow Death Riders member Marina Shafir spoke at an independent wrestling show hours after Satterley’s death, describing him as “so modest about how fascinating he was.” She credited him with directly influencing her own career. AEW dedicated an entire episode of its weekly Dynamite program to honoring the fallen wrestler, featuring tributes from colleagues and family members.
The Satterley family released a statement acknowledging his wrestling accomplishments while emphasizing his character. “He exemplified what it meant to be a decent human being, an honorable man with principles, who adored his family and his sausage dog son, Wolfie,” the family said. His wife Natalie wrote on Instagram that the family would “try our hardest to get through this nightmare,” thanking him for their “beautiful life together.”
What This Means
Satterley’s death highlights the medical risks facing professional wrestlers who maintain grueling performance schedules. Despite his physical conditioning and athletic prowess, a respiratory condition proved fatal within hours of his last match. The tragedy underscores how quickly asthma complications can turn deadly, even among seemingly healthy individuals in peak physical condition. His passing leaves a void in professional wrestling and serves as a reminder that medical conditions require constant vigilance regardless of profession or fitness level.