All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is set to host a special edition of “Dynamite” on Wednesday to support pro wrestler Tanea Brooks, known as Rebel, who is battling ALS. The event, titled “Rebel Heart,” will take place at the Akins Ford Arena in Athens, Georgia.
Since Brooks announced her diagnosis in May, both AEW and the wider pro wrestling community have shown strong support. Prominent wrestlers from various promotions have endorsed “Rebel Heart” T-shirts and participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to raise funds and awareness for the disease.
AEW and Ring of Honor (ROH) owner Tony Khan expressed his sentiments, stating, “Rebel’s been a great friend to all of us and a great part of AEW from the very beginning.”
Khan emphasized the significance of this event, aimed at raising money to combat ALS and honoring Brooks. He noted, “Even though she’s not on TV every week, you can believe everyone’s got Rebel in their hearts.”
Brooks disclosed her ALS diagnosis on May 1 through a video message. She said, “The doctors have diagnosed me with terminal ALS. There is not a lot of research behind ALS, and we don’t know how long I have. But it explains why I have trouble walking and talking, and all my functions will soon decline.”
Brooks joined AEW in 2019 in a backstage and stylist role before appearing on-screen in 2020 as part of Britt Baker’s team. She has wrestled before, having been involved with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) since 2013, and having appearances in Ohio Valley Wrestling, Stardom, and WWE.
The “Rebel Heart” event boasts an impressive lineup. Fans can anticipate seeing Will Ospreay face David Finlay in an AEW World Championship elimination match. Darby Allin and Steven Borden will square off against Mark Davis and Josh Alexander in a tag team match. Additionally, the AEW World Trios Championship match will feature Swerve Strickland, Kofi, and Austin Creed against Orange Cassidy, Kyle O’Reily, and Roderick Strong.
In the women’s division, a trios match will see Maya World, Hyan, and Thunder Rosa take on the team of Persephone, Baker, and Hikaru Shida. Furthermore, the Young Bucks will compete against Kyle Fletcher and Kevin Knight in a tables match.
Brooks, alongside Baker, is expected to participate in a segment titled “The Waiting Room” during the event. Wrestlers Persephone and Shida are also expected to have roles in the event.
AEW fans can keep an eye out for this emotional tribute and support event, benefitting one of their own in her battle against a devastating illness.