PEORIA, Ill. — All Elite Wrestling paid an emotional on-air tribute to longtime performer Tanea “Rebel” Brooks during its latest broadcast, just one day after she publicly revealed a devastating diagnosis of terminal amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
The announcement came amid a packed house at the Peoria Civic Center on Saturday, May 2, where fans held up numerous signs offering encouragement to the 47-year-old wrestler, who has been a fixture in AEW for the past six years. Announcer Tony Schiavone, 68, addressed the crowd and viewers at home during the episode of AEW Collision, his voice carrying a tone of solemn support. “You probably know by social media that one of our fine athletes has some very serious health problems,” Schiavone said. “We want [Tanea] to know you are big part of AEW and we are thinking about you right now and we are praying for you, that you will pull through.”
Schiavone continued, highlighting the visible fan support in the arena. “There were a lot of signs” from attendees, he noted, before adding directly to Brooks, “Rebel, we hope you’ll get better. Pray for Rebel. My dear, we’re thinking about you. She’s a wonderful young lady.” The tribute underscored Brooks' integral role in the promotion, where she has competed under the ring name Rebel since joining in 2019 as a 12-year veteran of professional wrestling.
Brooks shared her diagnosis in a heartfelt vlog posted to her social media followers on Friday, May 1. In the video, she explained how the discovery of ALS came during ongoing treatment for another serious illness. Since 2024, Brooks has been fighting primary pulmonary lymphoma, a rare form of lung cancer that affects the lungs. What began as preparations for lung surgery to address masses uncovered by her cancer battle led doctors at the renowned Mayo Clinic to identify the underlying neurological condition.
“The thing is, sometimes we don’t want to hear that answer to our prayers. And so, 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 told her viewers, her voice steady but emotional. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or motor neuron disease, is a progressive disorder that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the gradual loss of muscle control. It impacts abilities such as speaking, breathing, and eating, and currently has no known cure.
Brooks was candid about the prognosis, which her medical team described as terminal. “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 said. Regarding her life expectancy, she noted the challenges in prediction due to limited research on the disease. “My medical team does not know how long” she has, Brooks acknowledged, emphasizing the uncertainty that accompanies such diagnoses.
I want to say thank you to Tony Khan and AEW for supporting me on this medical journey. 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.
In the vlog, a tearful Brooks expressed deep gratitude to AEW owner Tony Khan for his unwavering support throughout her health struggles. The promotion's backing has allowed her to navigate these challenges while remaining connected to the wrestling world she loves. She also reached out directly to her fans, asking for continued prayers. “Please continue to pray for a peaceful journey and a peaceful passing. I love you,” she concluded, her words resonating with the raw vulnerability of someone facing an uncertain path.
The wrestling community rallied around Brooks almost immediately after her announcement. Support poured in from across the industry, including from competitors in rival promotions. Jade Cargill, a former WWE Women’s Champion who previously worked with AEW, commented on Brooks' post, “Sending you all the love. My prayers are with you Rebel.” Similarly, Sammy Guevara, a former AEW TNT Champion, wrote, “Sending you nothing but love. We will keep you in our prayers.”
Within AEW itself, executive vice president and wrestler Matt Jackson offered his sentiments in the Instagram comments: “Nothing but love.” These messages highlight the camaraderie that often binds the tight-knit world of professional wrestling, where performers frequently support one another through personal and professional trials. Brooks' journey adds to a somber list of wrestlers and celebrities who have confronted ALS, a disease that has claimed high-profile figures like physicist Stephen Hawking and actor Eric Dane, who passed away at age 53 after his own battle with the condition.
Brooks' career in wrestling spans over a dozen years, marked by resilience both in the ring and now in her personal life. She joined AEW at its inception, bringing her experience from the independent circuit and earlier stints in other promotions. Her role as Rebel often involved managerial duties and occasional in-ring action, endearing her to fans with her energetic presence and loyalty to the brand. The timing of her diagnosis, intertwined with her ongoing cancer treatment, illustrates the compounded challenges she faces, as medical experts at Mayo Clinic worked to untangle the overlapping symptoms.
AEW's decision to air the tribute so promptly after Brooks' revelation speaks to the promotion's family-like atmosphere, as described by those close to the organization. Tony Khan, known for his hands-on approach to talent welfare, has been instrumental in providing resources for Brooks' care, according to her own statements. This support extends beyond medical aid, encompassing emotional and professional backing during a time when her ability to perform has been severely limited.
ALS affects approximately 30,000 people in the United States at any given time, according to the ALS Association, with symptoms typically appearing between ages 40 and 70. The disease's progression varies, but it ultimately leads to total paralysis while leaving cognitive function intact, a cruel aspect that Brooks herself alluded to in her vlog. Research into treatments remains ongoing, with clinical trials focusing on slowing progression, though a cure remains elusive. Brooks' story brings renewed attention to the need for awareness and funding, much like the Ice Bucket Challenge did a decade ago to boost donations for ALS research.
As Brooks prepares for what lies ahead, her message of preparation and peace offers a poignant perspective on facing terminal illness. She has not indicated any plans to step away from public view entirely, suggesting she may continue sharing updates with fans who have become like an extended family. The outpouring of love from Peoria and beyond serves as a testament to her impact, not just as a wrestler, but as an individual whose strength inspires others.
In the days following the tribute, social media buzzed with hashtags like #PrayForRebel, amplifying her plea for prayers. Wrestling insiders report that AEW is exploring ways to further honor her contributions, potentially through special segments or fundraisers, though no official details have been confirmed. For now, the focus remains on Brooks' well-being, with the entire industry united in hope for comfort during this difficult chapter.
Brooks' diagnosis arrives at a pivotal moment for AEW, which continues to grow its roster and fanbase amid competition from WWE. Her story humanizes the high-stakes world of sports entertainment, reminding audiences of the personal battles behind the spectacle. As she navigates treatment options and end-of-life planning, Brooks' words echo a universal call for empathy: to cherish connections and face adversity with grace.