Triple H has been one of the latest big names in wrestling to pay tribute to PAC (Benjamin Satterley) after his death at the age of 40 was confirmed. The WWE creative head especially remembered his time working with the British wrestler in NXT and highlighted the importance he had in the growth of the brand during its early years.
The messages add to the first wave of tributes from colleagues and personalities from WWE, AEW, and NJPW after All Elite Wrestling announced PAC's death. Will Ospreay, Paul Heyman, Rhea Ripley, Saraya, Mustafa Ali, and Nick Wayne were some of the first names to react publicly.
Triple H particularly focused on NXT Arrival 2014, the first major event of the brand broadcast live on WWE Network. That night, PAC, then known as Adrian Neville, defeated Bo Dallas in a Ladder Match to win the NXT Championship for the first time.
Saddened by the news of the passing of Ben Satterley, known in WWE as Neville. I had the pleasure of working with Ben in the early days of NXT. This moment, from NXT Arrival, marked the beginning of a new era for that brand and for the men and women who were in it... and Ben was a major force behind that. He was an extraordinary talent and an even kinder human being. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans around the world.
Neville's reign lasted for 287 days and coincided with a crucial stage in NXT's transformation. He eventually lost the championship to Sami Zayn at NXT TakeOver: R Evolution before later joining WWE's main roster.
Bayley shared several photos with Satterley and fondly remembered the time they spent together: "I had the best time annoying you. Grateful for the time and memories we all have together. We love you, Ben."
Ric Flair said he was "shocked" by the news and described PAC as a wrestler gifted with extraordinary athleticism and, at the same time, a kind person, offering his condolences to his family and loved ones.
Nick Aldis shared one of the most personal memories. The current SmackDown General Manager explained that he had coincidentally met Satterley near the Nashville airport just a few weeks before. They recalled that their relationship dated back over two decades, when they started talking through MSN Messenger.
This is how I want to remember him: simply the kindest and most humble man, despite objectively being the most talented in-ring performer of our generation, perhaps of all. He was the best of us. God Speed, PAC.
Katsuyori Shibata recalled the time they had spent traveling together. The Japanese wrestler mentioned their car rides, shopping trips, and even visits to the laundromat while having long conversations about wrestling. He also recalled a promise they never fulfilled.
We used to say to each other, "Someday, let's wrestle together." It's truly heartbreaking. Rest in peace, my friend.
One characteristic has been especially repeated among the testimonies shared by his colleagues: Satterley's humility outside the ring despite the enormous respect his work inside it commanded. John Silver described him as "not only the best wrestler in the world, but the most humble person I've ever met," recalling that PAC even struggled to accept praise after his matches.
Zayda Steel shared a similar experience. The wrestler explained that she initially hesitated to approach PAC due to his reserved personality, but it was the British wrestler who one day stopped her in catering to congratulate her on her work ethic and offer help whenever she needed it.
Steel also revealed that she spoke with PAC the week before his passing, before facing Thekla. According to her, Satterley advised her not to overthink and assured her she would do well. "That was the last I heard from him," she wrote.
Referee Bryce Remsburg, a friend of Satterley's for about two decades, showed a much more personal side. Remsburg recalled that PAC used to bring Kinder eggs from the UK for his kids and managed to turn them into fans of Newcastle United, the football club that the British wrestler was a well-known supporter of.
To many, he was a "bastard." To my kids, he was Ben.
Sting also joined the long list of figures who have publicly bid farewell to PAC. The WCW and AEW legend especially highlighted his versatility and the respect he had earned among his colleagues.
Extremely talented. There was nothing he couldn't do. Loved and respected by all of us.
The tributes come after AEW confirmed the passing of Benjamin Satterley at the age of 40. PAC had competed just a day before at All Out, where he faced Andrade "El Ídolo" for the AEW National Championship and later intervened with Death Riders during the main event between Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay.
At the time of publishing this information, the cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed. The numerous messages shared by colleagues, rivals, and legends from different generations have highlighted both PAC's extraordinary level as a wrestler and Benjamin Satterley's reserved, humble, and approachable personality outside the ring.
ES
US
