The event, titled “AEW Rebel Heart Dynamite,” will take place on September 9 at Akins Ford Arena in Athens, Georgia, and will honor AEW personality Rebel (Tanea Brooks), who revealed in May that she had been diagnosed with ALS.
Rebel Scheduled To Appear
As part of the event, Rebel is expected to make a special appearance for fans in attendance.
AEW also announced several initiatives tied to the show that will help raise awareness and funding for ALS-related causes. According to the company’s press release, fans attending the event will receive a limited-edition Rebel trading card sheet from Upper Deck while supplies last.
In addition, AEW will make donations from the event to two organizations dedicated to supporting ALS patients and advancing research efforts: I AM ALS and Team Gleason.
Rebel currently serves as a spokesperson for I AM ALS, an advocacy organization focused on finding treatments and improving quality of life for those affected by the disease.
Connection To ALS Research Community
The location of the event carries additional significance.
Akins Ford Arena serves as the community home of the University of Georgia’s Regenerative Bioscience Center (RBC), where researchers are actively working on developing new therapies for ALS while also training the next generation of scientists in the field.
By hosting the event in Athens, AEW is helping shine a spotlight on the ongoing research efforts taking place within the local community.
Tony Khan Comments On The Event
AEW President Tony Khan issued a statement following the announcement, emphasizing the company’s commitment to supporting the cause.
Khan said AEW is proud to present Rebel Heart Dynamite and looks forward to honoring Rebel while raising both awareness and financial support for organizations working to combat ALS and assist those living with the disease.
The AEW President also praised the efforts of the charities involved and highlighted the importance of continuing the fight for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Additional Fundraising Efforts Underway
The September event is part of a larger effort by AEW to support ALS-related initiatives.
The company is currently selling Rebel Heart t-shirts and bracelets, with 100% of proceeds benefiting I AM ALS and Team Gleason.
Khan has also previously expressed interest in reviving AEW’s Fight for the Fallen concept as a platform for raising awareness and funds for ALS research.
Meanwhile, the Ice Bucket Challenge has experienced a resurgence in recent months, with several AEW personalities taking part. Among those participating was Britt Baker, who has a longstanding on-screen association with Rebel.
AEW is also encouraging fans to get involved through donations, awareness campaigns, and participation in fundraising efforts.
Wrestling Community Rallies Around Rebel
Since revealing her diagnosis earlier this year, Rebel has received an outpouring of support from wrestlers, fans, and members of the broader wrestling community.
The announcement of Rebel Heart Dynamite represents another example of that support, with AEW using one of its flagship television programs to celebrate Rebel while helping advance the fight against ALS.
As September approaches, the event is expected to serve as both a tribute to Rebel and an opportunity to bring greater attention to the ongoing efforts to support those affected by the disease.
The special edition of Dynamite is set to combine wrestling and philanthropy, giving fans an opportunity to celebrate Rebel while contributing to organizations working to improve the lives of ALS patients and fund critical research.
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