The professional wrestling community continues to mourn the passing of AEW star PAC, who died shortly after competing at the 2026 All Out pay-per-view. The loss of the former AEW International Champion prompted tributes from across the industry, but one message in particular stood out to AEW veteran and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross and his co-host, Conrad Thompson.
During a recent episode of Grillin with JR, Thompson highlighted the tribute posted by The Rock. He noted that the gesture was especially significant because The Final Boss spoke warmly not only about the late wrestler but also about All Elite Wrestling and Tony Khan, despite his long-standing professional association with rival organization WWE. Jim Ross welcomed the sentiment, responding, “Isn’t that nice?” while raising questions about why such cross-promotional recognition is not more common in the industry.
All Elite Wrestling honored the athlete with a dedicated tribute episode of Dynamite on September 30. During the broadcast, analyst and backstage interviewer Renee Paquette addressed the crowd at ringside to share an official statement from the family of the deceased. In the statement, the family reflected on PAC’s legacy, noting that he was widely regarded as one of the most aggressive, exciting, and high-flying performers of his generation.
While his untimely death shocked fans and peers alike, the industry continues to recognize his profound impact on the sport. As the wrestling world processes this loss, the tributes from figures like The Rock serve as a reminder of the respect PAC earned throughout his career. His contributions to the ring remain a lasting part of his legacy in professional wrestling.
