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\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n
In her message, Rebel (real name Tanea Brooks) thanked Tony Khan and AEW for their support, which the 47-year-old called \u201ca blessing that is unheard of.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s often-harried assistant during most of Baker\u2019s time atop the AEW Women\u2019s division. Schiavone told Rebel she\u2019s \u201ca big part of AEW, we\u2019re thinking about you right now, we are praying for you that you will pull through this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, while if the way she\u2019s handled what she calls her \u201cmedical journey\u201d is any indication, Rebel will continue to live with grace and dignity for however much time her disease gives her \u2014 it would take major scientific advancements or a less-explainable miracle for Rebel to \u201cget better\u201d, as Schiavone signs off with.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s still a classy move from AEW, and we imagine it meant a lot to Rebel.<\/p>\n
UPDATE: Rebel posted the above clip on her Instagram Story<\/a>, along with \u201cThank you to my AEW family and Tony Khan and thank you to the fans for the signs. They truly lift my spirits.\u201d She also tagged it #ALSawareness.<\/p>\n