Tanea Brooks (born September 8, 1978), better known by the

ring name A ring name is a type of stage name used by an athlete such as a professional wrestler, mixed martial artist, or boxer whose real name is considered unattractive, dull, difficult to pronounce or spell, amusing for the wrong reasons, or projecting ...

Rebel, is an American

professional wrestler Professional wrestling is a form of theater that revolves around staged wrestling matches. The mock combat is performed in a ring similar to the kind used in boxing, and the dramatic aspects of pro wrestling may be performed both in the ring or ...

professional wrestling manager In professional wrestling, a manager is a supporting character paired with a wrestler (or wrestlers) for a variety of reasons. A physically attractive woman accompanying, or "seconding", a male wrestler to a match is sometimes referred to as a v ...

, model,

actress An actor or actress is a person who portrays a Character (arts), character in a performance. The actor performs "in the flesh" in the traditional medium of the theatre or in modern media such as film, radio, and television. The analogous Greek ...

dancer Dance is a performing art form consisting of sequences of movement, either improvised or purposefully selected. This movement has aesthetic and often symbolic value. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoi ...

, and

cosmetologist Cosmetology (from Greek , ''kosmētikos'', "beautifying"; and , ''-logia'') is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty include hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, non-permanent hair removal such as ...

signed to All Elite Wrestling. She is also known for her work in

Impact Wrestling Impact Wrestling (stylized as ''IMPACT! Wrestling''), is an American professional wrestling promotion based in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment. Founded by Jeff and Jerry Jarrett in 2002, the promot ...

Early life

Tanea Brooks was born and raised in Owasso, Oklahoma. Brooks became a

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (sometimes initialized as DCC, and officially nicknamed "America's Sweethearts") are the National Football League cheerleading squad representing the Dallas Cowboys team. History 1960s During a game between the C ...

at age 18, after a year as a

University of Tulsa The University of Tulsa (TU) is a private research university in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It has a historic affiliation with the Presbyterian Church and the campus architectural style is predominantly Collegiate Gothic. The school traces its origin to ...

dance team member. Brooks also appeared on the cover of the Cheerleaders’ swimsuit calendar. Brooks is a longtime friend of wrestling industry veteran

Christy Hemme Christina Lee Hemme ( ; born October 28, 1980) is an American former professional wrestler, singer and model. She is best known for her time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (now known as Impact Wrestling) as a ring announcer and one of the or ...

: before either worked in wrestling, Brooks worked in Hemme's "Purrfect Angelz"

burlesque A burlesque is a literary, dramatic or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects.

dance troupe. Tanea eventually moved to

Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...

to further her careers in acting, modeling and dancing. Brooks attended the

Napoleon Perdis Napoleon Perdis (born 19 March 1970) is an Australian make-up artist and businessman. Perdis launched a small makeup studio in the Sydney suburb of Leichhardt, New South Wales, Leichhardt in 1992. He created a line of cosmetic products which he ...

Makeup academy, where she became a licensed

. Brooks also played in the Lingerie Football League, on its

New York Euphoria The New York Euphoria was a women's American football team that participated in the Lingerie Bowl, an alternative Super Bowl halftime event originally consisting of two teams of models and actresses wearing lingerie and minimal protective footbal ...

team.

Professional wrestling career

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling (2013–2016)

Brooks was signed to

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Impact Wrestling (stylized as ''IMPACT! Wrestling''), is an American professional wrestling promotion based in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment. Founded by Jeff and Jerry Jarrett in 2002, the promot ...

in 2013 after long-time friend and former "Purrfect Angelz" member

recommended her. In May 2014, she began appearing as Rebel, a childhood friend and partner of Knux in a carny-themed stable called The Menagerie, also including Crazzy Steve and

The Freak ''The Freak'' was an unfinished dramatic comedy from Charles Chaplin. The story revolved around a young South American girl who unexpectedly sprouts a pair of wings. She is kidnapped and taken to London, where her captors cash in by passing her ...

. Rebel made her in-ring debut on the September 10 episode of ''

'', teaming with Crazzy Steve and Knux in six person mixed tag-team match, where they lost to the team of The BroMans ( Robbie E and Jessie Godderz) and Velvet Sky. The following episode of ''Impact Wrestling'' during a Knockouts battle royal, Rebel legitimately fractured her arm when she landed on the steel steps when Havok knocked her over the top rope. She made her in-ring return on the October 15 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', defeating

Angelina Love Lauren Williams (born September 13, 1981) is a Canadian professional wrestler She is best known for her time in TNA/Impact Wrestling under the ring name Angelina Love. She is currently signed with National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Between ROH ...

and The BroMans. On the following episode, Rebel was scheduled to face Angelina Love in her singles debut on ''Impact Wrestling'', however she was met by Havok who maliciously attacked her. On January 7, 2015, during ''Impact Wrestlings debut on '' Destination America'', Rebel participated in a battle royal for the

TNA Knockouts Championship The Impact Knockouts World Championship is a women's professional wrestling world championship owned by Impact Wrestling. It is primarily contested for in Impact's women's division, known as the Impact Knockouts. The championship debuted on Octob ...

, however she was the first to be eliminated. After some hiatus, The Menagerie's profile on the TNA website was later moved to the alumni section. In her first match since The Menagerie split, Rebel teamed with

Brooke Brooke may refer to: People * Brooke (given name) * Brooke (surname) * Brooke baronets, families of baronets with the surname Brooke Places * Brooke, Norfolk, England * Brooke, Rutland, England * Brooke, Virginia, US * Brooke's Point, Palawan ...

in a losing effort to The Dollhouse (

Jade Jade is a mineral used as jewellery or for ornaments. It is typically green, although may be yellow or white. Jade can refer to either of two different silicate minerals: nephrite (a silicate of calcium and magnesium in the amphibole group of ...

and

Marti Bell Martibel Payano (born August 7, 1988) is an Dominican-American professional wrestler who is currently signed with National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and is a former NWA World Women's Tag Team Champion. She is best known for working for Total Nons ...

) in a tag team match on the May 15 episode of ''Impact Wrestling''. A few weeks later, Rebel was seen in a backstage segment, congratulating Brooke on her winning the

, only to be attacked by Jade and Marti Bell. On the August 26 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Rebel turned

heel The heel is the prominence at the posterior end of the foot. It is based on the projection of one bone, the calcaneus or heel bone, behind the articulation of the bones of the lower Human leg, leg. Structure To distribute the compressive for ...

for the first time in TNA by attacking Velvet Sky and aligning with The Dollhouse. On January 5, 2016, during ''Impact Wrestlings debut on ''

POP Pop or POP may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Music * Pop music, a musical genre Artists * POP, a Japanese idol group now known as Gang Parade * Pop!, a UK pop group * Pop! featuring Angie Hart, an Australian band Albums * ''Pop'' (G ...

'',

Awesome Kong Kia Stevens (born September 4, 1977) is an American actress and retired professional wrestler. She is best known for her time with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)/Impact Wrestling under the ring name Awesome Kong. She also worked with Ring ...

allied with Rebel, Jade and Marti Bell and became the new leader of The Dollhouse after she attacked The Beautiful People (Velvet Sky and

Madison Rayne Ashley Nichole Lomberger (née Simmons; born February 5, 1986) is an American professional wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling under the ring name Madison Rayne, where she is also the coach of the women's division. She is best known ...

) and Gail Kim. In March 2016, The Dollhouse officially disbanded following Jade's Knockouts Championship reign. On September 14, 2016, Rebel announced her departure from TNA.

Ohio Valley Wrestling (2014–2017)

In 2014, Brooks began training at

Ohio Valley Wrestling Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) is an American professional wrestling promotion and former developmental promotion based in Louisville, Kentucky. The company is currently run by Al Snow and Matt Jones and Louisville mayor elect, Craig Greenberg. O ...

. In July, Rebel began competing in OVW

dark matches Professional wrestling has accrued a considerable amount of jargon throughout its existence. Much of it stems from the industry's origins in the days of carnivals and circuses. In the past, professional wrestlers used such terms in the presence o ...

, where she defeated former two-time OVW Women's Champion Jessie Belle, and defeated Mary Elizabeth Monroe on two occasions. Rebel made her televised debut at the ''Saturday Night Special'' on August 2, where she once again defeated Monroe. On October 1, Rebel defeated Jessie Belle to become the number one contender for the OVW Women's Championship; however, the match was cut from broadcast as a result of OVW ceasing with women's wrestling at the time. When OVW was sold to Dean Hill, Rebel returned as the mystery opponent for Jessie Belle on July 11, 2015, on ''OVW Episode 829'', which she won. On July 20 on ''OVW Episode 830'', Rebel was pinned in a triple-threat match by Jessie Belle, which included Ray Lyn. She lost to Jessie Belle the following week in a singles match. On the August 15 edition of ''OVW Episode 834'', Rebel defeated the returning Mary Elizabeth Monroe, however she was attacked by Jessie Belle after the match. On September 3, 2016, OVW Saturday Night Special, Rebel and Paredyse defeated

Jessie Belle Smothers Jessie Belle McCoy (born July 2, 1985), better known by her ring name Jessie Belle Smothers or simply Jessie Belle, is an American model, professional wrestling valet, and professional wrestler. She is signed to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). Profe ...

and Shane Andrews, then on September 10 Rebel lost a #1 contender's match for the women's title against Jessie Belle. On November 2, 2016, on ''OVW Episode 898'' Rebel won the OVW Women's Championship, and successfully defended it 1 week later against Callie. On November 16, 2016, Rebel retained the title against

ODB ODB may refer to: People * Ol' Dirty Bastard (1968–2004), American rapper and founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan * ODB (wrestler) (born 1978), Stage name of American professional wrestler Jessica Kresa * Original David Baker (born 1972), a monik ...

. On March 22 Rebel lost the OVW Women's Championship to Madi Maxx.

Return to Impact Wrestling (2017, 2018)

On March 2, 2017, during the tapings of the episode of ''

'', Rebel returned to TNA in Knockouts Knockdown 2017, in a losing effort against

. On April 6, 2017, during the episode of ''

'', Rebel participated in a gauntlet match to become number one contender for Rosemary's Knockouts Championship, which she lost. Rebel would return one night only on the July 6, 2017 episode of Impact Wrestling where Rebel lost to Sienna. Another return was made on the June 14, 2018 episode of Impact Wrestling this time losing to

Taya Valkyrie Kira Renée Magnin-Forster (born October 22, 1983) is a Canadian professional wrestler, fitness competitor, and model better known by the ring name Taya Valkyrie. She is currently appearing for Impact Wrestling, where she is a current two-time ...

. Rebel returned again on the July 5, 2018 episode of Impact Wrestling losing to Katarina.

World Wonder Ring Stardom (2017–2018)

On April 30, 2017, Rebel made her Japanese debut, performing for one of the world's elite women's wrestling companies:

World Wonder Ring Stardom World Wonder Ring Stardom (スターダム女子プロレス), often referred to simply as Stardom (stylized as ST★RDOM), is a Japanese '' joshi puroresu'' or women's professional wrestling promotion based in Tokyo, Japan. Stardom was founded i ...

. During her 8-week tour of Japan, Brooks worked with some of the most respected women wrestlers in the world. For instance, Brooks' first Stardom match was in its 2017 Cinderella Tournament, against eventual tournament winner and Stardom world champion, Toni Storm. on May 3, Rebel, Jessicka Havok and

Tessa Blanchard Tessa Blanchard (born July 26, 1995) is an American professional wrestler. She is best known for her time in Impact Wrestling, where she became the first female wrestler to win the Impact World Championship and is also a former Impact Knockouts C ...

defeated Hiroyo Matsumoto, Jungle Kyona and Natsuko Tora. on May 6, Rebel and Hiroyo Matsumoto defeated Hetzza and Kaori Yoneyama. on May 7, Rebel lost a 3-way match to Hana Kimura, a rising young star in the company. on May 14, Rebel lost another 3-way match, this time to HZK, another young star and future Stardom world champion. on May 20, Rebel lost another 3-way match to Kimura. on May 21, Rebel lost to Io Shirai, arguably the world's best woman wrestler at the time, and a record-setting holder of multiple Stardom titles. on June 4 Rebel lost again to Kimura. on June 11, Rebel and Shanna defeated Hiromi Mimura and

Konami , is a Japanese Multinational corporation, multinational video game company, video game and entertainment company headquartered in Chūō, Tokyo, Chūō, Tokyo, it also produces and distributes trading cards, anime, tokusatsu, pachinko machin ...

. on June 17, Rebel lost another 3-way match to Kimura. on June 21, Rebel and Team Jungle (Kaori Yoneyama and Natsuko Tora) lost a six-woman tag team match to Hiromi Mimura, Konami and

Yoko Bito is a Japanese retired professional wrestler better known by the ring name . Bito initially made her in-ring debut in December 2010 for World Wonder Ring Stardom and quickly became one of the most popular wrestlers in the promotion, until announc ...

Return to OVW (2017–2019)

Rebel returned to OVW on the August 5, 2017 on OVW Saturday Night Special - War Zone, Rebel competed in a fatal-four way steel cage match against Cali, Mickie Knuckles and Paredyse, which was won by Cali. In November 2018, Rebel injured Indian Actress Rakhi Sawant by grabbing her in inverse position, circulating her, and throwing her on her back. It injured Sawant's back and she fell unconscious, and was later carried to a nearby hospital. On September 23 at the OVW Matt Cappotelli Benefit Show, she defeated Cali, Jaylee and Torey Payne in a fatal-four-way match. On August 4, 2018, at ''OVW Saturday Night Special '', Rebel unsuccessfully challenged Jaylee for the OVW Women's Championship. The match ended in a double count out.

World Wrestling Entertainment (2019)

Brooks appeared as herself on the January 23, 2019 edition of

WWE World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., d/b/a as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and vario ...

's ''

NXT NXT may refer to: Professional wrestling * '' WWE NXT'', a professional wrestling television program produced by WWE that began in 2010 ** NXT (WWE brand), WWE's Florida-based brand and former developmental territory * '' NXT UK'', the British spi ...

'' TV show, teaming with the villainous Amber Nova in a tag team loss to Kairi Sane and Io Shirai.

All Elite Wrestling (2019–present)

In August 2019, ''

Wrestling Observer Newsletter The ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' (''WON'') is a newsletter that covers professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. Founded in print in 1982 by Dave Meltzer, the ''Wrestling Observer'' website merged with Bryan Alvarez's ''Figure Four We ...

'' reported that All Elite Wrestling (AEW) had hired Brooks for a backstage role: hair & makeup stylist for its women wrestlers. However, on the April 29, 2020 episode of ''

AEW Dynamite AEW or aew may refer to: * Airborne early warning, airborne radar system for detecting aircraft * Aerosvit Airlines, an airline based in Kyiv, Ukraine (ICAO airline designator: AEW) * AEW Capital Management, a property investment management company ...

'' (AEW's flagship TV show), Brooks appeared onscreen as Rebel, but her character had changed: now, she was the (storyline) ''exclusive'' makeup artist—and sycophantic personal assistant—to the narcissistic, delusively grandiose villain Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D., who kept incorrectly calling her "Reba". Brooks also had two matches (as an

enhancement talent In professional wrestling slang, a job is a losing performance in a wrestling match. It is derived from the euphemism "doing one's job", which was employed to protect information related to kayfabe from being revealed. The term can be used a numbe ...

) against Big Swole—both quick losses. Brooks' intentionally ironic, comedic character work as the edgy and cocky Baker's approval-thirsty, personal cheerleader/sidekick became a recurring character on AEW broadcasts. Brooks accomplished all of this while almost never speaking on camera. On 30 June 2021 Rebel suffered a dislocated knee cap injury in a match facing Nyla Rose and Vickie Guerrero.

Other media

Brooks was cast as the lead "badonkadonk" girl in

Trace Adkins Trace may refer to: Arts and entertainment Music * ''Trace'' (Son Volt album), 1995 * ''Trace'' (Died Pretty album), 1993 * Trace (band), a Dutch progressive rock band * ''The Trace'' (album) Other uses in arts and entertainment * ''Trace'' ...

’ ''

Honky Tonk Badonkadonk "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" is a song written by Dallas Davidson, Randy Houser and Jamey Johnson, and recorded by American country music artist Trace Adkins. It was released in October 2005 as the third and final single from his album '' Songs About ...

'' music video. Brooks also performed as a backup dancer in Adkins' live performances of the song at the

CMT Music Awards The CMT Music Awards is a fan-voted awards show for country music videos and television performances. The awards ceremony is held every year in Nashville, Tennessee, and broadcast live on the CMT (Country Music Television) channel. Voting takes p ...

and

Academy of Country Music Awards The Academy of Country Music Awards, also known as the ACM Awards, were first held in 1966, honoring the industry's accomplishments during the previous year. It was the first country music awards program held by a major organization. The academy ...

( ACMA) shows. Brooks appeared in another country music video, for

Brooks and Dunn Brooks & Dunn are an American country music duo consisting of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, both of whom are vocalists and songwriters. The duo was founded in 1990 through the suggestion of Tim DuBois. Before their formation, both members were solo ...

's song, ''

Play Something Country "Play Something Country" is a song recorded by American country music duo Brooks & Dunn, co-written by Ronnie Dunn and Terry McBride. It was released in June 2005, as the first single from the duo's album '' Hillbilly Deluxe''. In September of t ...

''. Brooks was cast as one of the "homewrecker"s (female dancers performing in between sketches) on

Jeff Foxworthy Jeffrey Marshall Foxworthy (born September 6, 1958) is an American actor, author, comedian, producer and writer. He is a member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, with Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall, and Ron White. Known for his "You might be a ...

's '' Foxworthy's Big Night Out'' TV show. In 2002, Brooks made her acting debut in the short film ''Sweet Friggin' Daisies''. Tanea also appeared in the

reality television Reality television is a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unfamiliar people rather than professional actors. Reality television emerged as a distinct genre in the early 19 ...

series '' Full Throttle Saloon'', making guest-starring appearances spanning 3 seasons. Brooks played "Teresa Tomkins" in the 2010 short film ''Hello''. In 2011, Brooks appeared in the "Mufasa and Tucker" episode of ''

Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan ''Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan'' is a reality television series that featured dog trainer Cesar Millan's work with problem dogs. After nine seasons, the series finale aired on September 15, 2012. Episodes of ''Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan ...

''.

Championships and accomplishments

** OVW Women's Championship ( 1 time) *'' Pro Wrestling Illustrated'' **''PWI'' ranked her No. 49 of the best 50 female singles wrestlers in the ''PWI'' Female 50 in 2017 *River City Wrestling **RCW Women's Championship (1 time) *Tried-N-True Pro Wrestling **Tried-N-True Women's Championship (1 time) *''

'' ** Worst Match of the Year (2016) vs.

Shelly Martinez Shelly Leonor Martinez (born February 9, 1980) is an American model, actress, retired professional wrestler and valet. She is known for her work with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on its ECW brand under the ring name Ariel and for Total N ...

at Knockouts Knockdown 2016

References

External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Rebel 1978 births Actresses from Oklahoma All Elite Wrestling personnel American dancers American female dancers American female models American female professional wrestlers American film actresses American hip hop dancers American make-up artists American television actresses Expatriate professional wrestlers in Japan Legends Football League players Living people People from Owasso, Oklahoma Professional wrestling managers and valets Professional wrestlers from Oklahoma Sportspeople from Oklahoma 21st-century American women University of Tulsa alumni American cheerleaders National Football League cheerleaders 21st-century professional wrestlers OVW Women's Champions