AEW fans received heartbreaking news as wrestling veteran Rebel (real name Tanea Brooks) shared a deeply emotional update about her health. After years of medical struggles, she has now been diagnosed with a serious and life-threatening condition, adding to her already difficult journey.
A Long and Painful Medical Journey
Rebel has been away from television since 2022, and now fans understand why. Over the past two years, she has been dealing with multiple health issues that doctors initially struggled to diagnose correctly.
In early 2024, she was hospitalised after doctors discovered masses in her lungs. At that time, she was given anti-fungal medication, as doctors believed it could be an infection.
However, months later, the situation became more serious. In November, Rebel revealed that she had been diagnosed with Primary Pulmonary Lymphoma, which is a very rare type of lung cancer.
This was already a shocking diagnosis, but unfortunately, her health battle did not end there.
Diagnosis of Terminal ALS
While preparing for lung surgery, doctors made another discovery that changed everything. Rebel shared in an emotional video that she has now been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
She explained that this condition is terminal and affects how the body functions over time.
In her own words, she shared that:
- She has been facing difficulty walking and speaking
- Her body functions will continue to decline
- Doctors are unsure how much time she has
ALS is a rare disease that affects the nervous system and slowly takes away muscle control. There is currently no known cure, which makes the diagnosis even more serious.
Emotional Message to Fans and Supporters
Rebel began her message by thanking everyone who supported her during this long and uncertain journey. She said that while prayers were answered with a diagnosis, it was not the answer she had hoped for.
Despite the pain, she remained strong and grateful. She asked fans to continue praying for her, especially for a peaceful journey ahead.
Her message showed both courage and honesty, as she openly spoke about her condition and what lies ahead.
Gratitude Towards AEW and Tony Khan
Rebel also took time to thank Tony Khan and All Elite Wrestling for supporting her throughout her medical struggles.
She said the support she received from AEW was something very special and not something every wrestler gets during tough times. Her words highlighted how important that support has been for her and her family.
Support From the Wrestling Community
Rebel has been a well-known personality in AEW, often appearing alongside Britt Baker. Their partnership made her a familiar face for fans.
Following her announcement, fans and members of the wrestling community have started sending messages of love, strength, and prayers.
ALS Awareness and Why It Matters
Rebel shared her update at the beginning of May, which is recognised as ALS Awareness Month in the United States.
This month is important because it helps:
- Spread awareness about ALS
- Encourage research for better treatment
- Support patients and their families
Even today, ALS remains a disease with very limited treatment options, making awareness and research extremely important.
Rebel’s story is truly emotional and difficult to hear. After spending years searching for answers, she finally got a diagnosis, but it came with devastating news. From battling a rare form of lung cancer to now facing terminal ALS, her journey has been incredibly challenging.
Still, her strength, honesty, and gratitude stand out. She chose to speak openly with fans, thank those who supported her, and ask for continued prayers. The wrestling world is now standing with her during this tough time. Her story also reminds us how important health awareness and medical research are, especially for rare diseases like ALS.
