Dragon Gate & NJPW Issue Statements on the Sudden Passing of PAC

Dragon Gate and New Japan Pro-Wrestling have issued statements, mourning the sudden passing of AEW’s PAC.

As noted, All Elite Wrestling announced the sudden passing of the English professional wrestler last evening, sending the pro wrestling fraternity into deep shock.

Tributes have since poured in for PAC on social media. Earlier today, Dragon Gate, where PAC spent several years in the late 2000s and early 2010s before joining WWE, shared an emotional post on social media.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of PAC and offer our heartfelt condolences. There are not a few wrestlers who have admired and taken inspiration from the many legendary matches you left behind and the array of dazzling techniques you displayed. The magnificent performances you brought to the DRAGONGATE ring will be cherished and spoken of forever. You will always be part of the DRAGONGATE family. On behalf of all the wrestlers and staff, we extend our deepest sympathies to your family in their time of grief and honor your remarkable career.”

Check out their post below:

【PAC選手の訃報に寄せて】

PAC 選手ご逝去の報に接し、心よりご冥福をお祈りいたします。
あなたが残してくれた多くの名勝負や数々の華麗な技に憧れ、またお手本にしてきた選手も少なくありません。DRAGONGATE のリングで披露してくれた素晴らしいパフォーマンスは永遠に語り継がれることでしょう。… pic.twitter.com/U2hW0ZNdOS

— DRAGONGATE (@dragongate_pro) September 28, 2026

Meanwhile, New Japan Pro-Wrestling also issued a statement on PAC’s death, reminiscing about his journey with the company. His last outing for the promotion proved to be at this year’s Forbidden Door event, where he challenged Shota Umino for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship. Here’s what NJPW posted:

“New Japan Pro-Wrestling is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Benjamin Satterley, better known to wrestling fans worldwide as PAC, on September 27. He was 40. A proud native of Newcastle Upon Tyne, PAC made his professional debut in 2004 and quickly garnered acclaim with his hard-hitting and innovative aerial style, earning the nickname ‘the man that gravity forgot’. With his star on the rise, PAC headed to Japan for the first time with DRAGONGATE in 2007, and wrestled in New Japan for the first time in 2012 as part of Best of the Super Jr. 19, reaching the semifinals.

“Later in 2012, PAC would join WWE for a successful five-year stretch, after which he would return to international competition and then sign with AEW in 2019. At the first Forbidden Door event in 2022, PAC would become the inaugural AEW All Atlantic Champion, and at Forbidden Door 2026 in June, he challenged Shota Umino for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship. The thoughts and deepest sympathies of all at New Japan Pro-Wrestling go to Satterly’s family, friends, and fans.”

411Mania sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of PAC in these tough times.