All Elite Wrestling aired a tribute to wrestler Tanea “Rebel” Brooks following her announcement that she has been diagnosed with “terminal” amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
“You almost certainly know by social media that certainly one of our tremendous athletes has some very serious health problems,” announcer Tony Schiavone told viewers on the Saturday, May 2, episode of AEW Collision. “We wish [Tanea] to know you’re big a part of AEW and we’re fascinated with you without delay and we’re praying for you, that you’re going to pull through.”
Schiavone, 68, mentioned that there have been “plenty of signs” from fans attending AEW Collision on the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois, offering encouragement to Brooks, 47. (The wrestler has competed under the name “Rebel” during her six years with All Elite Wrestling.)
“Rebel, we hope you’ll improve. Pray for Rebel,” Schiavone added. “My dear, we’re fascinated with you. She’s an exquisite young lady.”
Brooks shared together with her social media followers on Friday, May 1, that she was recently diagnosed with “terminal ALS,” a nervous system disease that impacts the nerve cells within the brain and spinal cord. ALS — which is alternatively generally known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or Motor Neurone Disease — causes a gradual lack of ability to regulate speech, respiration and eating. There isn’t a known cure.
The wrestler has been on a longterm health journey, having battled primary pulmonary lymphoma, a rare form of lung cancer, since 2024. In Friday’s vlog, Brooks explained that recent developments in her cancer fight led doctors to find that she has ALS.
“The thing is, sometimes we don’t need to hear that answer to our prayers. And so, while I used to be waiting to have lung surgery for the masses on my lung, the doctors at Mayo [Clinic] finally found what’s occurring,” she told viewers.
Brooks admitted that her medical team “do[es] not know the way long” she has to live since “there isn’t plenty of research behind ALS.”
“It explains why I even have trouble walking and talking [and] all my functions will soon decline. But now, we are able to prepare for the long run and what’s to return,” she acknowledged.
Tanea Brooks Courtesy Instagram / Tanea Brooks
The 12-year pro wrestling veteran personally thanked All Elite Wrestling owner Tony Khan for supporting her through her health problems.
“I would like to say thanks to Tony Khan and AEW for supporting me on this medical journey,” a tearful Brooks said. “It has been a blessing that’s unheard of and, from the underside of my heart, thanks and thanks to all of you to your prayers.”
She asked fans to maintain her of their thoughts, saying, “Please proceed to hope for a peaceful journey and a peaceful passing. I like you.”
Brooks received overwhelming support from wrestlers signed to each AEW and its competitor WWE, with former WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill writing to her, “Sending you all of the love. My prayers are with you Rebel.”
“Sending you nothing but love. We are going to keep you in our prayers,” former AEW TNT Champion Sammy Guevara vowed within the Instagram comments section.
AEW wrestler and executive vice chairman Matt Jackson also shared well-wishes, writing, “Nothing but love.”