AEW wrestler Pac's death highlights lack of benefits for professional wrestlers

All Elite Wrestling star Pac, born Benjamin Satterley, died at age 40 after being found in a parking lot in Illinois, a day after his latest match. Pac, who rose to prominence in WWE as Neville before joining AEW in 2018, was among a series of wrestlers who have died relatively young, a pattern noted by observers of the sport.

Professional wrestling, rooted in carnival circuits, relies on performers who are classified as independent contractors. This status leaves them responsible for their own health insurance and makes them vulnerable to termination at any time. Unlike athletes in the major U.S. sports leagues, wrestlers receive no pension or retiree health benefits, creating pressure to continue performing despite injuries.

The physical demands of wrestling—repeated high-impact moves, chair shots and other stunts—can cause cumulative damage similar to that seen in other contact sports. The industry’s reliance on large, muscular athletes also contributes to a higher incidence of heart-related conditions.

Efforts to organize wrestlers have historically been rebuffed. Former wrestler-turned-governor Jesse Ventura recalled that Vince McMahon threatened to fire him after he raised union concerns. More recently, wrestlers such as CM Punk and Ray Fenix have publicly criticized AEW’s handling of health and safety issues.

Pac’s death adds to a short list of early fatalities in AEW’s seven-year history, including the passing of Andy Williams, who wrestled as “The Butcher.” While autopsy reports typically cite cardiac arrest, industry analysts argue that the lack of employer-provided medical support and the gig-worker model contribute to the trend of premature deaths among professional wrestlers.