• AEW’s Rebel Says She’s Officially Disabled Due To Rare Lung Cancer & FND
In 2025, AEW personality Rebel (Tanea Brooks) revealed that she was diagnosed with primary pulmonary lymphoma, a rare form of lung cancer. In an Instagram video, the 47-year-old explained that she has spent more than a year battling what she initially believed was a severe fungal infection, only to learn recently that the true cause was cancer.
Rebel said her health issues began in May 2024, when she was hospitalized after doctors found masses in her lungs. She was told at the time that she had cryptococcal pneumonia and spent the next year on anti-fungal medication.
During that period, she continued to struggle with complications, saying, “Along the way, there was… it wasn’t a very smooth sailing journey. There were infections, ruptures, tumors, so I had to address those as well.”
Despite the prolonged treatment, her condition didn’t improve, prompting her to seek another opinion at the Mayo Clinic. That decision led to a life-changing discovery. “After a year of not getting better, I decided to go to the Mayo Clinic… and they found that it was not cryptococcal pneumonia this whole time. It is primary pulmonary lymphoma, which is cancer in the lungs. And if there’s a best-case scenario, then I have it, so that’s good.”
In addition to the cancer diagnosis, Rebel revealed she is also dealing with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that has significantly affected her mobility and speech. She explained that she can no longer walk unassisted and now uses a walker, and she has lost much of the function in her right hand, including the ability to write. Her speech has also been impacted.
Rebel gave the following heartbreaking update today:
“Saddens me to say it’s official. Disabled. But I’m not going to stop fighting. I’m working on getting into a better rehab.”
• Real Reason WWE Used TNA’s Leon Slater On SmackDown In London
High-flying sensation Leon Slater made a surprise appearance on today’s WWE SmackDown in London by answering an open challenge from Carmelo Hayes for the United States Championship. While fans were thrilled to see the TNA X-Division Champion on a major stage, his appearance raised questions about his status with TNA Wrestling, especially after he was pulled from the January 15 TNA iMPACT on AMC debut and the Genesis pay-per-view on January 17.
Initial rumors suggested a “talent trade” was in play, with many speculating that AJ Styles was sent to iMPACT in exchange for Slater’s services. However, Fightful Select has uncovered a different reality.
The primary reason Slater was removed from his TNA commitments was due to ongoing visa issues. Since the TNA events were being held in North America and Slater was forced to return to his home in the United Kingdom, TNA graciously allowed WWE to utilize him during their ongoing European tour instead.
Despite his WWE cameo, Slater remains firmly under contract with TNA through at least the majority of 2026. TNA officials are reportedly working hard to resolve the visa situation so he can return to their U.S.-based shows soon. For now, the cooperation between the two companies has given Slater a massive platform to showcase his skills while he navigates his travel paperwork.
Also Read: Complete SmackDown Results – Cody Rhodes’ Next Match Revealed After Getting Booed In London
