The All Elite Wrestling (AEW) community has rallied around Tanea Brooks, known to fans as Rebel, following her heartbreaking announcement regarding her health. After revealing a diagnosis of terminal Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) earlier this week, Brooks expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from her colleagues and the global wrestling audience.
The outpouring of affection reached a peak during the May 2, 2026, edition of AEW Collision
, broadcast live from the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois. During the event, the company used its platform to send a public message of strength and solidarity to Brooks, who has been a mainstay in the promotion.
On Sunday, May 3, Brooks took to Instagram to share her reaction to the tribute. Posting a photo of the broadcast team, she noted that the gestures from the organization and the fans truly lift my spirits
. She extended her thanks to her AEW family
, as well as AEW President Tony Khan.
A Public Tribute in Peoria
The support for Brooks was visible both on-air and in the crowd. During the broadcast, announcer Tony Schiavone addressed the audience and the viewers at home to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and the importance of Brooks’ role within the company.
“We aim for Rebel to know you are a substantial part of AEW. We are thinking about you right now. We are praying for you that you will pull through this. We got a lot of signs in the stands here tonight that says ‘Rebel, we love you. We pray for Rebel,’ and we certainly do agree with that as well.” Tony Schiavone, AEW Commentator
The sentiment was echoed by the official AEW social media accounts, which posted a supportive message on May 3, 2026, stating, We’re all with you, @RebelTanea!
We’re all with you, @RebelTanea! pic.twitter.com/4kFs6VD72r
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 3, 2026
Understanding the Medical Journey
The diagnosis comes after a prolonged and difficult medical struggle for Brooks. On Friday, May 1, 2026, Brooks released an emotional video via X and Instagram detailing a two-year journey to locate answers regarding her health via F4W/WON. She revealed that she has been diagnosed with the terminal stage of ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
This diagnosis follows other severe health challenges. Brooks previously disclosed in November that she had been diagnosed with Primary Pulmonary Lymphoma, a rare form of lung cancer according to SI FanNation. She had spent significant time undergoing tests and treatments, including visits to the Mayo Clinic, although dealing with difficulties in speaking and walking.
ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, leads to the loss of muscle atrophy and eventually affects the ability to breathe and swallow. The terminal nature of the diagnosis has sent shockwaves through the professional wrestling community, where Brooks is respected for her tenure and personality.
Impact on the AEW Community
The response from the “AEW family” highlights the tight-knit nature of the locker room and the deep connection between the performers and their fanbase. For many, the sight of fan-made signs in the Peoria crowd served as a reminder of the emotional bond shared between athletes and the people who follow them.
Brooks’ transparency about her health journey—from the initial discovery of lung masses in the spring of 2024 to the eventual ALS diagnosis—has been praised for bringing awareness to these rare and devastating conditions. By sharing her story, she has provided a face to the struggle of long-term medical uncertainty.
As the wrestling world continues to offer its support, the focus remains on Brooks’ well-being and her desire to stay connected with the community that has embraced her. The collective prayers and messages of love continue to pour in as she navigates this challenging chapter of her life.
Updates regarding Tanea Brooks’ health and any further official statements from AEW will be shared as they become available. We encourage readers to share their messages of support and keep the conversation focused on strength and community.