The professional wrestling community rallied around one of its own this weekend as All Elite Wrestling dedicated airtime during Saturday's broadcast to honor Tanea "Rebel" Brooks, who recently disclosed her terminal diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
During the Saturday, May 2, episode of AEW Collision at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois, announcer Tony Schiavone addressed viewers with a heartfelt message for the 47-year-old wrestler who has competed under the ring name "Rebel" throughout her six-year tenure with the organization.
"You probably know by social media that one of our fine athletes has some very serious health problems," Schiavone, 68, told the audience. "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."
The veteran announcer noted the visible support from fans in attendance, observing "a lot of signs" offering encouragement to Brooks. He concluded his remarks by 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 shared her diagnosis with followers on Friday, May 1, revealing that doctors had recently identified "terminal ALS" during her ongoing battle with primary pulmonary lymphoma, a rare form of lung cancer she has fought since 2024. The discovery came while she was preparing for lung surgery at Mayo Clinic.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or Motor Neurone Disease, is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disease gradually diminishes a person's ability to control speech, breathing, and eating. Medical science has not yet developed a cure for ALS.
"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 explained in Friday's video message to her supporters.
The wrestler acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding her prognosis, stating that her medical team "do[es] not know how long" she has to live since "there is not a lot of research behind ALS." She candidly addressed the disease's impact, saying, "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."
The 12-year professional wrestling veteran expressed profound gratitude to All Elite Wrestling owner Tony Khan for his support throughout her medical journey. "I want to say thank you to Tony Khan and AEW for supporting me on this medical journey," a tearful Brooks stated. "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."
Brooks requested continued support from her fanbase, asking them to "please continue to pray for a peaceful journey and a peaceful passing."
The announcement prompted an outpouring of support from across the professional wrestling industry. Former WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill wrote, "Sending you all the love. My prayers are with you Rebel." Former AEW TNT Champion Sammy Guevara pledged, "Sending you nothing but love. We will keep you in our prayers." AEW wrestler and executive vice president Matt Jackson also offered his support, writing, "Nothing but love."
The response from both AEW and WWE talent demonstrates the tight-knit nature of the professional wrestling community, which has united to support Brooks during this difficult chapter. Her transparency about her diagnosis and her request for prayers reflect both her courage and her desire to maintain connection with the fans and colleagues who have supported her throughout her career.