Benjamin Satterley/Pac at Defiant Wrestling, Newcastle upon Tyne
The cause of death of Newcastle-born professional wrestling star Benjamin Satterley, known worldwide as Pac and formerly as Neville in WWE, has been confirmed as bronchial asthma, almost three weeks after his sudden death at the age of 40.
The news brings further sadness to the international wrestling community and to fans in Newcastle upon Tyne, where Satterley was born, raised and began the remarkable career that would eventually take him to some of the world's biggest wrestling arenas.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office in Illinois, United States, confirmed on Friday (16 October 2026) that Satterley died from bronchial asthma.
His death was officially classified as natural.
Satterley died on Sunday 27 September, less than 24 hours after competing at All Elite Wrestling's (AEW) All Out pay-per-view event in the Chicago area.
He was found unresponsive inside a vehicle in Des Plaines, Illinois, near Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Emergency responders attended the scene, but he was pronounced dead at the age of 40.
His sudden death shocked wrestling fans worldwide, particularly as he had been competing professionally just the previous evening.
What is bronchial asthma?
Bronchial asthma is a long-term condition affecting the airways, causing inflammation and narrowing that can make breathing difficult.
Symptoms can include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest.
According to the NHS, asthma can usually be managed with appropriate medication and treatment, although severe attacks can sometimes become life-threatening.
The medical examiner's findings have established the cause of Satterley's death, but further medical details about the circumstances have not been made public.
There has been no official confirmation of what may have triggered the fatal episode, and there is no established evidence linking his death to his final wrestling match.
Anyone concerned about asthma symptoms can find further information through the [NHS asthma guidance](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/).
From Newcastle to the world's biggest wrestling arenas
For fans across Tyneside, Benjamin Satterley was far more than an internationally recognised wrestling superstar.
He was a Geordie who had followed his childhood passion from Newcastle to the very top of professional wrestling.
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne on 22 August 1986, Satterley developed an interest in wrestling at a young age.
In a previous interview with WWE, he recalled how his aunt had introduced him to professional wrestling before he became fascinated by the athleticism and performances of international stars.
He began his training at a small wrestling school in Newcastle, entering the British independent wrestling scene in 2004.
His exceptional athleticism, agility and high-flying wrestling style quickly attracted attention.
After making his name on the British circuit, Satterley travelled internationally, competing in Japan, the United States and other major wrestling markets.
His performances earned him a reputation as one of the most technically gifted and innovative high-flying wrestlers of his generation.
WWE success as Adrian Neville
In 2012, Satterley signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where he initially competed under the name Adrian Neville.
He quickly established himself as a standout performer in WWE's developmental brand, NXT.
His spectacular aerial moves and remarkable athletic ability earned him the nickname "The Man That Gravity Forgot".
During his WWE career, he captured the NXT Championship, won the NXT Tag Team Championship twice and later became a two-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion.
His finishing move, the Red Arrow, became one of the most recognisable aerial manoeuvres in professional wrestling.
Although his career took him around the world, he remained closely associated with Newcastle.
WWE regularly highlighted his Tyneside roots, and Satterley spoke proudly about coming from the North East of England.
A new chapter with All Elite Wrestling
After leaving WWE, Satterley returned to using the name Pac and became one of the early major signings for All Elite Wrestling when the promotion launched in 2019.
He developed a more aggressive wrestling persona, becoming known to AEW audiences as "The Bastard".
Despite the intimidating character he portrayed on television, fellow wrestlers frequently spoke of his professionalism, dedication and kindness away from the ring.
During his time with AEW, Pac held multiple championships and became a prominent member of groups including Death Triangle and Death Riders.
His combination of strength, technical precision and breathtaking aerial ability made him one of the promotion's most respected performers.
His final match took place on Saturday 26 September 2026, when he faced Andrade El Ídolo at AEW's All Out event in Illinois.
Less than a day later, news of his death devastated colleagues and fans around the world.
Newcastle United supporter remembered by family
Despite achieving international fame, Satterley never forgot his Newcastle roots.
He was a lifelong Newcastle United supporter, something his family highlighted in a moving tribute following his death.
During a special edition of AEW Dynamite dedicated to his memory on 30 September, a statement from his family was read to viewers.
His family remembered not only his achievements as a wrestler but also the man behind the intimidating television persona.
They described his kindness, principles and dedication to those closest to him.
The statement also reflected on his love for Newcastle United, his passion for music, spending time with his family and his beloved sausage dog, Wolfie.
For supporters on Tyneside, the acknowledgement of his love for Newcastle United was another reminder that, despite travelling the world, Satterley remained proud of where he came from.
His wife, Natalie, also shared a deeply personal tribute on Instagram, expressing her heartbreak at losing her husband and the life they had built together.
Wrestling world pays tribute to a Geordie star
Following his death, tributes poured in from wrestlers, promoters and fans across the world.
AEW dedicated its 30 September edition of Dynamite to Satterley's memory, with colleagues sharing stories about his influence on their careers and the friendships they had formed with him.
The programme included an emotional celebration of his life and achievements.
British wrestling star Will Ospreay was among those to pay tribute, describing Satterley as an exceptional representative of British wrestling and someone he had admired throughout his career.
Many other wrestlers spoke about how Satterley's technical ability, physical conditioning and innovative performances had helped inspire a generation of performers.
His death also prompted tributes closer to home.
Newcastle wrestling supporters shared messages of remembrance online, while local fans described leaving flowers and Newcastle United memorabilia at an informal memorial near Grey's Monument in the city centre.
The tributes reflected the affection many on Tyneside felt for a wrestler who had carried his Newcastle identity onto the international stage.
A lasting legacy for Newcastle
Benjamin Satterley's achievements remain an extraordinary example of what someone from Newcastle can accomplish on the world stage.
From learning the basics of wrestling at a small local training school to competing in major arenas across the United States and Japan, his career spanned more than two decades.
He became an NXT Champion, a WWE Cruiserweight Champion and a multiple-time AEW titleholder, earning the respect of fellow professionals and fans worldwide.
But beyond the championships and spectacular performances, those closest to him have emphasised the importance of remembering his character, his friendships and his devotion to his family.
For Newcastle, he will be remembered as a talented local wrestler who achieved international success without forgetting his roots.
The Man That Gravity Forgot may have performed on the world's biggest stages, but Newcastle will remember Benjamin Satterley as one of its own.
The thoughts of everyone at the Great Park Gazette are with his wife Natalie, his family, friends and everyone affected by his passing.
Sources
- [AEW – Official announcement of Benjamin Satterley's death](https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/all-elite-wrestling-announces-passing-of-benjamin-satterley)
- [POST Wrestling – Medical examiner confirms cause of death](https://www.postwrestling.com/2026/10/16/medical-examiner-determines-ben-satterleys-cause-of-death-as-bronchial-asthma/)
- [ABC7 Chicago – Cause of death confirmed](https://abc7chicago.com/post/cause-revealed-death-wrestler-benjamin-satterley-known-pac-des-plaines-hoffman-estates-aew-competition/19946100/)
- [WWE – Meet NXT Champion Adrian Neville](https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2014-03-06/meet-new-nxt-champion-adrian-neville)
- [WWE – Neville's career profile](https://www.wwe.com/superstars/neville)
- [Satterley family statement reported by Wrestling-Online](https://www.wrestling-online.com/aew/ben-pac-satterleys-family-issues-statement/)
- [NHS – Asthma information](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/)
