One of the most memorable and emotional moments in AEW history took place on this week’s special edition of AEW Dynamite: A Tribute to PAC, as Bryan Danielson made a surprise return to honor the late Benjamin Satterley, known to wrestling fans around the world as PAC.
The night opened with Jon Moxley successfully defending the AEW Continental Championship against Orange Cassidy. Following the match, the arena paused for a ten-bell salute in remembrance of PAC, creating an emotional atmosphere throughout the building.
As fans reflected on the tribute, the mood shifted even further when Danielson’s music hit and the former AEW World Champion made his way to the ring. Clearly overcome with emotion, Danielson walked to the ring in tears before sharing a heartfelt embrace with Moxley at center ring.
The moment marked a significant reunion between the two longtime allies and served as a powerful show of respect for PAC’s legacy and impact on the wrestling industry.
Danielson’s appearance was particularly noteworthy because it represented a temporary return from retirement. After stepping away from full-time competition following WrestleDream 2024, “The American Dragon” had not competed on AEW television in nearly two years.
In the main event, 8-Man Tag Match: Death Riders vs. Don Callis Family. Wardlow makes his return to action alongside Mark Davis, Lance Archer, Josh Alexander and Jake Doyle. The Death Riders represented by Daniel Garcia, Gabe Kidd, Wheeler Yuta and Claudio Castagnoli. The group gathers around the chair set up in honor of PAC before making its way through the crowd and toward the ring. Jon Moxley joins the commentary team as the Death Riders initially enter the match with only four competitors.
The Death Riders’ entrance music hits again, revealing Bryan Danielson as the fifth member of the team for the main event.
The Death Riders won the match.
Following the match, the Death Riders come together and embrace in the ring as the broadcast reflects on the life and career of Benjamin Satterley, known to wrestling fans as PAC.
A video package celebrating PAC’s life and career airs before the broadcast returns for one final shot of the chair and towel set up in his honor.
For many viewers, Danielson’s return and his emotional interaction with Moxley became one of the defining moments of the tribute show, highlighting the respect and admiration that PAC earned from his peers throughout his career.
While Danielson’s long-term in-ring future remains unclear, his return on this special night provided a fitting tribute to one of AEW’s most respected performers.
