I wanted to write this while watching AEW’s tribute show on Wednesday, but I simply couldn’t do it. I tried again last night, but something inside still felt like it hurt. Here I am, Friday morning, and just when I thought I had all the words I wanted to write, the things I wanted to say, I find myself at a loss, but pushing forward with a tribute for the wrestler known as PAC. On September 27th, Benjamin Satterley, suddenly passed away. A wrestler known as quite the vicious bad guy on television, but in real life, a bona fide good guy of good guys. It’s gut-wrenching when someone so young, age 40, suddenly leaves this world.
PAC was a damn good wrestler. He possessed everything a consummate wrestler should. The look in his eyes, the demeanor, the artistry of what he did in the ring. A guy who would suplex and slam men bigger than he, or take flight and outclass veteran cruiserweights and luchadors. With a towel over his shoulders, his presence was felt.
I recall watching the Cruiserweight Classic and 205 Live. Under the ring name “Adrian Neville” he amazed crowds on a huge scale. It was then I went back and found his independent work in ROH, PWG, and other promotions. I’ll never forget the night he faced Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship. He connected with the Red (or Black) Arrow and it honestly appeared as though he won the championship. A guy who was a bonafide lightweight was believably perceived to be a world champion.
AEW he soared. Whether part of the Death Triangle with Penta El Zero M and Rey Fenix, or having legendary singles matches against Orange Cassidy, everyone tuned in. When PAC was in the ring, you watched.
I was there, at AEW All In Wembley (2024) when he returned to team with Claudio and Yuta to win a ladder match for the AEW World Trios Championships. When he grabbed the belts, the freakin’ arena EXPLODED. I feel so grateful to have been there to witness it.
Wednesday night, AEW Dynamite was a tribute program to Satterley. No storylines, no gimmicks, just a night of 100% professional wrestling in honor of PAC. As Tony Schiavone presented the show, with the entire locker room, wrestlers, announcers, staff, crew, and Tony Khan all on stage, they rang a 10-bell salute to their friend.
This show might have been the greatest wrestling show in history. Which is such a shame to say it happened because of a tragic loss. The matches and promos felt special. They felt like it was nice to watch wrestling without the seriousness of storylines and need for ratings and… Well, it just FELT like pro wrestling. It felt fun. It felt sad. You could FEEL what pro wrestling is supposed to be.
They then showed is final appearance in a backstage segment following AEW All Out, where Mox admits to defeat and speaks about wanting people to rise up to be the best they can.
I’m crying as I type this. I can’t help but revisit seeing Referee Bryce Remsburg crying. For those who do not know, he is THE referee who is the most traveled ref throughout the indies. He has officiated practically any match featuring an AEW or ROH wrestler in the past 20 years.
Throughout the show, taped interviews were shown featuring “Hangman” Adam Page, Cash Wheeler, Jay White, Will Ospreay, Ricochet, Swerve Strickland, and Darby Allin. Each with tears, sadness, grief. Each one with a unique story and perspective, bringing life to Satterely’s legacy. Even more tributes were posted on AEW’s social media and YouTube pages.
The opening match saw Jon Moxley defeat Orange Cassidy, but throughout the match the elements of PAC were present. From a nod to rolling in and out of the ring, mannerisms, and even using his submission holds. Mox even used Cassidy’s “lazy kicks” to the delight of the crowd. After the match, the theme of Bryan Danielson hits as he somberly comes to the ring, and embraces Moxley with a huge hug. This moment gave chills to all. How can you console anyone during one of the saddest times, it is by giving the people the best you can and hope.
The Elite (Nick and Matt Jackson, Adam Page, Kenny Omega) defeated The Don Callis Family (Trent Barretta, Rocky Romero, Kyle Fletcher, Kevin Knight)
Again, a fun match with enjoyable spots. Everyone from both teams got their time to wow the crowd and for brief moments take us all away from the grief. The quadruple dives and moonsaults were amazing. It’s hard to fathom how all eight were able to pull off a match like this. Thank you guys.
AEW World Trios Championship Tribute
Swerve Strickland, Kofi, and Austin Creed came to the ring. The ring had photos of PAC in the middle where they lay down their trios championships, with a towel dedicated to him. Creed couldn’t hold it, and frankly neither could anyone in the arena. As one of the first Trios Champions with Penta and Rey Fenix, and again with the Death Riders, PAC’s legacy with the championship will long be remembered.
Main Event #1: Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet
One cannot fathom what goes through the minds of two men who know they want to put their heart and soul into putting on the match of the year. This is the purest code of honor I have ever seen. Ospreay, with United Empire, and Ricochet, with The Demand, all shaking hands and hugging before the bell. Ricochet and Ospreay, together, in the middle of the ring take a knee, appearing to pray before they begin. The applause from the crowd, the tears, the heart, and emotion, all wrapped up, right here, right now. This might have been match of the year not just in tribute for PAC, but as I have said earlier, you could feel professional wrestling in the air. Once again, we saw moves from PACs toolbox used throughout the match.
It was the closing moment which brought EVERYONE to tears. Ospreay had just taken out Ricochet with the Hidden Blade. Instead of going for the cover, Ospreay looks to the corner and climbs up. Chills are felt, we know what he wants to do. Whether this was planned or he decided to say “Screw it I’m going for it,” we’ll (hopefully) never know. Ospreay went to the top and performed PAC’s Black Arrow Finisher.
The crowd erupted, Ospreay lost it. Ricochet and Ospreay cry together in the middle of the ring.
There are no other words to describe it.
Marina Shafir, Hyan, and Thunder Rosa defeated Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D., Mercedes Mone, and Persephone
In another amazing match, these six women paid homage to PAC. Faces, heels, it didn’t matter. The focus was obviously shifted to Marina Shafir, who was the first to speak at an independent show about Satterley’s passing. This could not have been easy for her at all. But she pushed through, was an absolute wrecking machine during the match, winning it by using PAC’s Brutalizer for the finish.
Main Event #2: The Death Riders (Claudio Castignoli, Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia, Gabe Kidd, and ????) defeated The Don Callis Family (Jake Doyle, Mark Davis, Lance Archer, Josh Alexander, and WARDLOW!!)
In a shocker, Wardlow returned to action alongside the Don Callis Family. I believe this return was supposed to happen after All Out, but given the circumstances the return understandably had to be downplayed. In this 10 v. 10, the Death Rider was a man short as Mox took to the announce table. In his place, Bryan Danielson stepped up to join in. Like an earlier eight man tag match, it was chock-full of straight-up wrestling. Danielson, with moves in tandem with Yuta and Garcia was fun to see. Had this been a regular episode, one would have thought a turn or a swerve. But tonight was not about storyline, or angles. No faces or heels, just putting on a hell of a closing match to pay respect. As Garcia got the pinfall, the Death Riders embraced in the ring, and then walked through the crowd, where the familiar chair and towel stood. Tears and cries of both grief and joy in respect, surrounding the symbol in memoriam of Benjamin “PAC” Satterley.
