AEW's 'Rebel Heart' Dynamite honors Tanea Brooks amid ALS fight and tribute to Andy Williams

Key points

• AEW dedicated the September 9, 2026, episode of Dynamite to Tanea 'Rebel' Brooks, who was diagnosed with ALS in March 2026, aiming to raise funds and awareness for the disease.
• Rebel appeared on the show to co-host 'The Waiting Room' with Britt Baker and later assisted in a women's trios match by handing Baker her Lockjaw glove, leading to a victory over Maya World, Hyan, and Thunder Rosa.
• Former WWE and TNA wrestlers, including Gail Kim, Killer Kross, and Dasha Gonzalez, were reported backstage to support Brooks, alongside a large group of her family and friends.
• The event also served as a tribute to the late Andy 'The Butcher' Williams, with several wrestlers wearing black armbands and Excalibur breaking down emotionally while discussing his passing.
• Will Ospreay defeated David Finlay in an AEW World Championship eliminator match, while Swerve Strickland and The New Level retained the Trios Championships against The Conglomeration.

Background

AEW had been supporting Brooks since her diagnosis announcement in May 2026, with stars across promotions promoting 'Rebel Heart' T-shirts and participating in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The New Level's recent debut at All In London had boosted AEW morale, and their subsequent title wins at 'Rebel Heart' solidified their status as a top trios team. The event followed a period of speculation about ex-WWE talent joining AEW, though the focus remained on internal storylines and charitable efforts.

How outlets are covering it

F4W/WON emphasized the presence of former WWE and TNA wrestlers backstage to support Brooks, highlighting the cross-promotional solidarity. Fox News focused on the charitable aspect, quoting Tony Khan on the importance of the event for ALS research and Brooks's status as a founding member of AEW. Bleacher Report provided a detailed breakdown of the matches, noting the emotional tribute to Andy Williams and the predictable but entertaining nature of the card, while also highlighting the crowd's reaction to Rebel's presence. All sources agreed on the significance of the event as both a charity drive and a tribute to a beloved figure in the wrestling community.

Why it matters

The 'Rebel Heart' episode demonstrated the strong community support within professional wrestling for Tanea Brooks's battle with ALS, showcasing unity across promotions. It also highlighted the emotional impact of the passing of Andy Williams, reinforcing the personal connections within the industry. The successful title defenses and Ospreay's victory maintained momentum for upcoming events like All Out, while the charitable efforts raised awareness and funds for ALS research, a disease with limited current treatment options.

What to watch

AEW will continue to promote ALS awareness and support Brooks through future events. The next major event, All Out, is scheduled for September 26, 2026, where Will Ospreay will face Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship. The New Level and Swerve Strickland are expected to continue their title reign, while the Young Bucks will pursue the AEW World Tag Team Championship in a 3-Way Ladder Match. AEW Collision on September 12, 2026, will feature a tribute episode for Andy Williams.