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Bryan Danielson Returns to Honor Benjamin Satterley at AEW Tribute
Confirmed
In Short: Bryan Danielson made a surprise return to wrestling at AEW's tribute show for Benjamin Satterley, known as PAC.
Bryan Danielson returned to wrestling on Wednesday's AEW Dynamite episode, which was dedicated to Benjamin Satterley, known as PAC, who died at age 40.
Danielson, who had been semi-retired for the past few years, joined the Death Riders in the main event to honor Satterley.
The show featured a touching tribute, including a monologue by Danielson that highlighted Satterley's career and personal life.
Danielson's return was emotional, as he embraced Jon Moxley, who had initially seemed unhappy to see him.
The episode opened with a tribute graphic and several tear-jerking promos from wrestlers remembering PAC.
Danielson's first match in two years was a hard-hitting AEW Continental Championship match between Jon Moxley and Orange Cassidy.
The best moment came at the end of the show, with a tribute music video featuring footage and photos from PAC's career.
Danielson, a founding member of Blackpool Combat Club alongside PAC and Moxley, had last appeared on AEW television as a commentator at All In in August.
The entire locker room walked to the ring with the weight of grief, making the tribute show a somber yet heartfelt event.
Danielson's return was a surprise announcement, as he had been out of the ring for nearly two years, and his appearance left the wrestling world in tears.
What this adds
Danielson's return was unexpected, as he had been out of the ring for nearly two years.
The show's emotional tribute included a post-All Out promo from Jon Moxley, filmed with Satterley standing behind him.
AEW's dedication to Satterley included a main event finish that left the audience in tears.
The tribute show featured a suicide dive by Danielson and Yuta, a memorable moment in the match.
What's confirmed
- Danielson announced Wednesday that he'll return to wrestling at AEW's tribute to Pac, and he'll team up with the Death Riders to honor Benjamin Satterley.
What's still developing
- Just three days after Benjamin Satterley was found dead in a vehicle outside a restaurant near Chicago O'Hare International Airport, AEW president Tony Khan announced that Wednesday's episode would be a tribute to the man who signed with the company in 2019 and became one of its defining performers.
- Satterley, a Newcastle upon Tyne native, began wrestling in 2004 and competed for organizations around the world, including WWE (as Neville), Dragon Gate in Japan, and CMLL in Mexico before joining AEW.
- He delivered a monologue that balanced Satterley the performer with Satterley the person—his career, his friendships, his marriage.
- The footage was a post-All Out promo from Jon Moxley, filmed on Saturday night after the pay-per-view, with Satterley standing behind him alongside the rest of the Death Riders.
- Satterley, known in AEW as Pac, died at the age of 40 on Sunday, a day after competing against AEW National Champion Andrade El Ídolo in the opening match of Saturday's All Out pay-per-view.
- Satterley also competed in WWE as Neville, winning multiple championships across both companies.
- Danielson and Pac met in the ring in July 2024, when Danielson beat him in a singles match in the Owen Hart Foundation tournament semifinals.
- Danielson came into the ring emotional on Wednesday, and Moxley seemingly wasn't happy to see him at first, but the two eventually made amends and hugged it out.
- Whether Danielson plans to make any other appearances remains to be seen, but it wouldn't be surprising if he made a one-match return to honor the late Satterly.
- Danielson and Yuta cleared the coast with a suicide dive.
- As always, AEW delivered a classy tribute to honor the man.
- This marks Danielson’s first physical appearance on AEW television since All In in August, where he briefly joined the commentary desk as part of a special appearance.