Tony Khan shared that this week’s AEW Dynamite show in Pittsburgh will honor PAC. He revealed this at the start of the Ring of Honor tapings in Jacksonville.
“I’m here in Jacksonville for the ROH tapings, but I want to discuss something more meaningful than wrestling,” Khan stated. “PAC represented the very best of both wrestling and humanity.”
Khan described PAC as “one of the finest people I’ve ever met,” highlighting his career under the names PAC in AEW and Neville in WWE, alongside wrestling worldwide.
“Ben was not only an incredible wrestler but a wonderful person to work with and spend time around,” Khan said.
“Before we begin today’s matches and these tapings, I’d like to hold a 10-bell salute for PAC. Please join me in a moment of silence,” he requested.
Khan reflected on knowing PAC from AEW’s inception, emphasizing how much PAC meant not just professionally but personally. “Ben became a significant part of my life, just like he did for many wrestlers and others in the wrestling community. You’ll be hearing more about this in the coming week.”
He added, “Ben would have excelled in any path he chose, and he set his sights on being one of the greatest wrestlers ever—and I truly believe he achieved that.”
Announcing the tribute event, Khan said, “This Wednesday’s Dynamite in Pittsburgh will be dedicated to PAC. It’s fitting since PAC headlined the very first Dynamite in Pittsburgh against Jon Moxley, a rival whose name will forever be tied to Ben’s career.”
“It’s shocking how suddenly this has happened,” Khan admitted.
“I’ve never met someone more beloved by peers and friends. Spending time with Ben outside wrestling—whether at dinner, watching football, or traveling—showed what a class act he was. He leaves behind a wonderful wife, many friends, and an enduring legacy,” said Khan.
He also noted that all wrestlers performing tonight and on Wednesday are doing so by choice, motivated by their love for Ben.
Khan concluded by introducing Bobby Cruz to kick off the matches.
PAC was found unresponsive inside a car outside a restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, on Sunday afternoon and was pronounced dead at 4:08 p.m., as confirmed by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. The cause of death awaits an autopsy. Notably, he wrestled Andrade El Idolo at AEW All Out in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, the previous night. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, family, friends, and fans.
Fan Take: This tribute underscores PAC’s profound impact on the wrestling world, both as a legendary athlete and a beloved individual. Honoring him not only gives fans a chance to celebrate his legacy but also reminds us how deeply intertwined personal bonds and the sport truly are.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
