Tonga Loa has shown solidarity as Rebel, a prominent AEW star, faces serious health challenges. Rebel’s ongoing recovery has drawn attention from wrestling peers, including Tonga Loa, who recently reached out to offer encouragement during her difficult time.
Background on Rebel’s Wrestling Career and Health Struggles
Rebel, an AEW women’s division wrestler, initially joined the Jacksonville-based promotion in 2021 in a backstage capacity before transitioning to in-ring competition. Her early career featured matches against notable performers such as Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter. However, Rebel has not appeared on AEW programming since the August 21, 2022 episode of Dynamite.
Despite this absence, Rebel returned to compete at the 2024 GLCW Beauties and The Beasts IV event. Following her return, she revealed on social media that she had been hospitalized with pneumonia. Subsequent medical examinations uncovered a pulmonary clot, leading to an extended hospital stay for treatment and monitoring.
“Slight change of plans. Oxygen kept dropping so they were monitoring me, meanwhile Dr ordered another ct scan after the first one and they found a Pulmonary Clot so they are keeping me overnight. Should be an easy fix and should be discharged tomorrow. @mayoclinic is on it! 🤘🏽 Thank you for all the love and prayers 💗”.
—Rebel
Tonga Loa’s Gesture Amid Wrestler’s Health Concerns
Rebel’s health updates have elicited widespread support from fans and wrestling professionals alike. Among those expressing goodwill was WWE’s Tonga Loa, who posted an emoji on Instagram to acknowledge Rebel’s progress and wish her well. This act highlights the camaraderie shared across wrestling promotions, even as performers compete in separate arenas.
Current Status of Tonga Loa in WWE and Nearby Developments
Meanwhile, Tonga Loa remains an active competitor on WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown as part of the My Family Tree (MFT) faction. Alongside Tala Tonga, J.C. Matteo, and leader Solo Sikoa, Tonga Loa has been involved in a strong presence on the show. However, the group experienced a setback when Solo Sikoa recently lost the WWE United States Championship to Sami Zayn.
The loss creates uncertainty about the faction’s next strategy to reclaim the title, underscoring ongoing storylines within SmackDown. Despite this, Tonga Loa continues to track developments outside WWE, such as Rebel’s health journey in AEW, reflecting a wider connection within the wrestling community.
Implications of the Support and What Lies Ahead
Tonga Loa’s supportive message adds a meaningful gesture during Rebel’s recovery, reinforcing solidarity between major wrestling organizations. Such interactions may foster goodwill and mutual respect among performers. As Rebel moves forward with treatment for her pulmonary clot, ongoing updates are expected from the AEW star and her medical team.
The wrestling world will be watching closely, hopeful for Rebel’s full recovery and eventual return to competition. For Tonga Loa and his faction, the focus will shift back to regaining momentum in WWE, as the narrative surrounding the United States Championship remains active and contested.
