Sting Pays Tribute to PAC, Offers Support to His Family

Sting has added his voice to the outpouring of grief following the death of PAC, the AEW star born Ben Satterley, who passed away at age 40. The wrestling legend shared a brief but pointed message on X, praising PAC’s in-ring ability and the respect he commanded from his peers.

“Extremely talented. Nothing he couldn’t do. Loved and respected by all of us. God bless Pac’s family,” Sting wrote.

The tribute is a reminder of just how far PAC’s reputation extended within the industry. Known to fans for his stiff, high-flying style and intense presence, PAC was equally respected backstage, something reflected in the flood of messages from fellow wrestlers since news of his death broke. Matt Cardona was among those to pay respects, calling PAC “the perfect pro wrestler,” a simple but telling phrase from someone who has shared a locker room with hundreds of performers across the industry.

Sting and PAC’s time together in AEW overlapped during the final stretch of Sting’s in-ring career, with PAC also factoring into a storyline involving Sting’s protégé, Darby Allin. That connection likely explains why Sting felt compelled to speak up, even though the two never shared a defining rivalry or long program together. It’s a testament to PAC’s standing that even wrestlers on the periphery of his storylines felt moved to publicly honor him.

AEW itself is preparing a more formal show of respect. Tony Khan announced that the September 30 episode of Dynamite, taking place in Pittsburgh, will be presented as “A Tribute to PAC,” with participation from the roster left voluntary rather than mandated. That detail matters — it signals AEW wants performers to process the loss in whatever way feels right to them, rather than scripting grief into the show.

The location adds an extra layer of significance. The show is scheduled for the Petersen Events Center, the same venue where PAC headlined AEW’s first Dynamite taping in Pittsburgh, main-eventing against Jon Moxley. For longtime viewers, that match remains one of the clearer showcases of what made PAC such a valued in-ring performer — the kind of high-stakes, hard-hitting encounter he built his career on.

PAC’s death leaves a noticeable void in AEW’s roster, particularly given his history in factions like the Death Triangle and his frequent appearances in high-profile tag and trios matches. Beyond the storylines, though, what’s emerged over the last few days is a picture of a wrestler whose peers, across multiple generations and promotions, viewed him as both a rare talent and a genuinely well-liked colleague.

As AEW moves forward with its tribute show, more moments like Sting’s are likely to surface, from current roster members and wrestlers who crossed paths with PAC throughout his career in Europe, Japan, and the United States. For now, the wrestling world continues to process the loss of a performer widely regarded as one of the most complete in-ring workers of his generation.

Extremely talented

Nothing he couldn’t do

Loved and respected by all of us

God bless Pac’s family https://t.co/I1RX71VSnH

— Sting (@Sting) September 28, 2026