A beloved wrestling personality is sharing heartbreaking news — and fans are rallying around her.
Tanea Brooks, known to wrestling fans as Rebel from All Elite Wrestling, has revealed she’s been diagnosed with ALS, a devastating and fatal disease that affects the nervous system.
The 47-year-old broke the news in an emotional video posted on May 1, where she spoke candidly about what she’s facing.
“The doctors have diagnosed me with terminal ALS,” Brooks said, holding back tears. “We don’t know how long I have, but it explains why I’ve been having trouble walking and talking. My body will continue to decline.”
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, gradually destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, loss of movement, and eventually paralysis.
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Brooks said having answers has helped her begin preparing for what lies ahead.
As she spoke, emotion took over. She paused, visibly shaken, before thanking the people who have supported her throughout her career — including AEW and its president Tony Khan.
“It has been a blessing that is unheard of,” she said. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
She also expressed gratitude to fans who have sent prayers and messages of support.
“Please continue to pray for a peaceful journey,” she said softly, ending the video with a tearful message of love.
Brooks joined AEW in 2019 and became a familiar face in the ring, competing alongside well-known names in the wrestling world and building a loyal fanbase.
Her ALS diagnosis comes after another serious health battle. She previously revealed she had been diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer known as primary pulmonary lymphoma, after months of unexplained symptoms, infections, and hospital visits.
At the time, she had been preparing for lung surgery when doctors delivered the life-changing ALS diagnosis.