AEW’s Emotional Tribute to Tanea Brooks After ALS Diagnosis Sparks Outpouring of Support
All Elite Wrestling honored Tanea Rebel Brooks on Saturday, May 2, after she revealed a terminal ALS diagnosis, with announcer Tony Schiavone telling viewers the star is facing serious health problems.
Tough one today. AEW took a moment on Collision to rally around Tanea 'Rebel' Brooks after she shared she has been diagnosed with terminal ALS. It was a rare, genuinely human beat on a live wrestling show, and the response from both the company and fans was immediate.
What AEW did on air
On the Saturday, May 2 episode of 'AEW Collision,' longtime announcer Tony Schiavone, 68, addressed Brooks' health on the broadcast. From the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois, he noted the sea of supportive fan signs for Brooks, 47, who has wrestled in AEW for six years under the name 'Rebel.' He spoke directly to her on air, making it clear the locker room and audience were behind her and hoping she pulls through. For a company that usually keeps its head down and pushes the show forward, this was a notable pause to acknowledge a very real situation.
Brooks' diagnosis, in her words and what it means
The night before, on Friday, May 1, Brooks told followers in a vlog that doctors had recently diagnosed her with terminal ALS, a disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or Motor Neurone Disease, progressively takes away control of speech, breathing, and basic motor functions. There is currently no cure.
Brooks has been dealing with primary pulmonary lymphoma, a rare form of lung cancer, since 2024. While she was waiting on lung surgery for masses on her lung, her team at Mayo Clinic connected the dots and found the ALS. It explains why her walking and talking have become difficult. Doctors could not give her a timeline, which she said is part of the uncertainty with this disease, but she emphasized that at least now she can prepare for what is ahead.
'Please continue to pray for a peaceful journey and a peaceful passing. I love you.'
She also singled out AEW owner Tony Khan and the company for backing her through the medical chaos, calling their support an almost unheard-of blessing, and thanked fans for the constant prayers and messages.
The support around her
Messages poured in quickly from both sides of wrestling's aisle. WWE 's Jade Cargill sent love and prayers. AEW's former TNT Champion Sammy Guevara echoed the same in her comments. Matt Jackson, who wrestles for AEW and serves as an executive vice president, added his own well-wishes. Not something you see every day: talent from competing companies all lining up to support one person.
Quick timeline
- Fri, May 1: Brooks posts a vlog revealing doctors have diagnosed her with terminal ALS, discovered at Mayo Clinic while prepping for lung surgery during her ongoing fight with primary pulmonary lymphoma (diagnosed in 2024).
- Sat, May 2: AEW Collision opens with Tony Schiavone addressing Brooks' health, noting fan support in the arena in Peoria, Illinois, and sending love from the company. Brooks is 47; Schiavone is 68.
- Now: Brooks says doctors cannot give a timetable. Symptoms affecting her mobility and speech track with ALS, which has no known cure. She thanks Tony Khan and AEW for their support and asks fans to keep her in their thoughts.
It is a heartbreaking update, and the kind of real-life news that cuts through the usual show must go on energy of televised wrestling. If you want to send something positive into the void today, send it Rebel's way.