The Lowdown
Wrestling tributes often feel like programming; this one felt like a wake. The roster performed voluntarily, and every match was built around something PAC gave the people in it. It was as well done as anything AEW has aired.
Key Takeaways
- Benjamin “PAC” Satterley died September 27 at age 40 (TV Insider).
- AEW’s September 30 Dynamite was a tribute show, with a ten-bell salute and eulogies (TV Insider).
- Bryan Danielson came out of semi-retirement to wrestle in the main event (TV Insider).
- Will Ospreay beat Ricochet with PAC’s Black Arrow (TV Insider).
The Story
AEW said goodbye to one of its own. Benjamin “PAC” Satterley, who wrestled in WWE as Neville from 2012 to 2018, died suddenly on Sunday, September 27, at 40 (TV Insider). AEW announced the September 30 Dynamite in Pittsburgh would be a tribute, with all talent appearing voluntarily (Wikipedia).
Excalibur opened the show fighting back tears, Tony Schiavone eulogized Satterley in the ring beside a framed photo, and the roster gathered on stage for a ten-bell salute. Renee Paquette read a statement from Satterley’s wife and parents (TV Insider).
The matches were built around his legacy. Will Ospreay beat Ricochet using PAC’s Black Arrow, Marina Shafir won with his Brutalizer, The Elite reunited, and Swerve Strickland and The New Level laid their Trios belts beside his picture. Bryan Danielson came out of semi-retirement to team with the Death Riders in the main event (TV Insider).
Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer called it “the best wrestling TV show ever” (Wikipedia). The final shot showed the Death Riders around the empty chair PAC used to sit in during his entrance (TV Insider).
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More Context
- TV Insider — AEW pays tribute to PAC in emotional episode of Dynamite ↗
- Wikipedia — A Tribute to Pac ↗