On Friday (May 1), former TNA and current AEW talent Rebel shared that her medical team discovered the ultimate cause of many of the health problems that have sidelined her the past two-plus years. It was just about the worst news possible: Rebel has ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), aka Lou Gehrig’s disease.
In her message, Rebel (real name Tanea Brooks) thanked Tony Khan and AEW for their support, which the 47-year-old called “a blessing that is unheard of.”
Last night (Sat., May 2) on Collision, lead announcer Tony Schiavone pointed out fans in attendance at the show in Peoria, Illinois with signs in support of Rebel, who did great work as Dr. Britt Baker’s often-harried assistant during most of Baker’s time atop the AEW Women’s division. Schiavone told Rebel she’s “a big part of AEW, we’re thinking about you right now, we are praying for you that you will pull through this.”
Unfortunately, while if the way she’s handled what she calls her “medical journey” is any indication, Rebel will continue to live with grace and dignity for however much time her disease gives her — it would take major scientific advancements or a less-explainable miracle for Rebel to “get better”, as Schiavone signs off with.
It’s still a classy move from AEW, and we imagine it meant a lot to Rebel.
UPDATE: Rebel posted the above clip on her Instagram Story, along with “Thank you to my AEW family and Tony Khan and thank you to the fans for the signs. They truly lift my spirits.” She also tagged it #ALSawareness.