AEW Honors Tanea "Rebel" Brooks After Heartbreaking ALS Diagnosis
All Elite Wrestling took a moment to shine a spotlight on Tanea “Rebel” Brooks during a recent episode, following her devastating announcement about her terminal amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis.
“You probably know by social media that one of our fine athletes has some very serious health problems,” announcer Tony Schiavone addressed viewers on the May 2 episode of AEW Collision. “We want [Tanea] to know you are a big part of AEW and we are thinking about you right now and we are praying for you, that you will pull through.”
At the Peoria Civic Center in Illinois, fans rallied behind Brooks, 47, with signs of encouragement. Schiavone emphasized the community’s support, saying, “Rebel, we hope you’ll get better. Pray for Rebel. My dear, we’re thinking about you. She’s a wonderful young lady.”
Brooks revealed her heartbreaking news on May 1, sharing with her followers that she was diagnosed with “terminal ALS,” a brutal disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS leads to a slow but certain loss of control over speech, breathing, and eating—no cure in sight.
This isn’t Brooks’ first battle; she’s been fighting primary pulmonary lymphoma, a rare lung cancer, since 2024. In her emotional vlog, she explained how recent developments in her cancer treatment led doctors to uncover the ALS diagnosis.
“The thing is, sometimes we don’t want to hear that answer to our prayers,” she said. “While I was waiting to have lung surgery for the masses on my lung, the doctors at Mayo [Clinic] finally found what’s going on.”
Brooks candidly admitted that her medical team “do[es] not know how long” she has left due to the lack of research surrounding ALS. “It explains why I have trouble walking and talking [and] all my functions will soon decline. But now, we can prepare for the future and what is to come,” she stated with a mix of resignation and resolve.
In a heartfelt moment, the 12-year wrestling veteran expressed gratitude towards AEW owner Tony Khan for his unwavering support throughout her health struggles. “I want to say thank you to Tony Khan and AEW for supporting me on this medical journey,” a tearful Brooks shared. “It has been a blessing that is unheard of and, from the bottom of my heart, thank you and thank you to all of you for your prayers.”
She urged fans to keep her in their thoughts: “Please continue to pray for a peaceful journey and a peaceful passing. I love you.”
The wrestling community has rallied around Brooks, with support pouring in from both AEW and WWE stars. Former WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill sent her love: “Sending you all the love. My prayers are with you Rebel.”
Former AEW TNT Champion Sammy Guevara also chimed in on Instagram: “Sending you nothing but love. We will keep you in our prayers.”
AEW wrestler and executive vice president Matt Jackson added his well-wishes: “Nothing but love.”
Brooks’ journey has touched many hearts, proving that even in the face of adversity, the wrestling world stands united.