Roman Reigns, one of World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) top superstars, is battling leukemia. In a rare moment when the otherwise scripted world of the WWE moves away into the real world, Reigns announced during a live coverage of Monday Night RAW that he is battling the dreaded cancer type.
Reigns, whose real name is Leati Joseph Anoaʻi, said that he is relinquishing his championship title and stepping away from the ring to focus on his real-life battle with leukemia.
The franchise’s biggest star since the championship reign of John Cena, Reigns apologised to the fans for his decision to relinquish the title.
“I have been living with lukemia for 11 years. And now it is back,” he told the spectators, also known as WWE universe, at the arena in Providence, Rhode Island.
“When I was 22 years old, I was diagnosed with this. It was the hardest time of my life. I didn’t have a job, a home, and a baby was on my way,” Reigns said as the WWE universe, which was cheering for him till he started speaking, went quiet.
“It didn’t matter if you cheered me or booed me, you have always reacted to me and that is the most important thing. I have to say ‘thank you so much’,” Reigns said as the crowd chanted his name.
Thanking WWE for giving him the chance to become a superstar, Reigns told the WWE universe that he is not delivering a retirement speech and will be back after defeating lukemia once again.
“I’m coming back because I want to show you all at home and my family and my children and my wife that when life throws a curveball at me, I will choke up and I will swing for the fences every single time. I will beat this and I will be back so you will see me very, very soon,” he said.
Reigns, 33, was met by his Shield compatriots, Dean Ambrose (real name Jonathan David Good) and Seth Rollins (real name Colby Daniel Lopez) on his way out of the arena. A visibly upset Rollins was seen wiping his tears as the three made their signature move one last time before Reigns went out to fight cancer.
Moments after Reigns’ announcement, the entire WWE roster comprising current and former superstars came out in support of the champion.
“‘Courage – strength in the face of pain or grief.’ You have given us your everything including a courageously vulnerable moment. We, your WWE family, give you all of our love and support. #ThankYouRoman #NeverGiveUp,” wrote John Cena.
‘Courage – strength in the face of pain or grief.’ You have given us your everything including a courageously vulnerable moment. We, your WWE family, give you all of our love and support. #ThankYouRoman #NeverGiveUp
— John Cena (@JohnCena) October 23, 2018
“I’m just learning now of @WWERomanReigns leukemia diagnosis. Stunned. I liked and respected him from the moment I met him. Sending my very best wishes and prayers for you, Joe,” wrote Mick Foley.
I’m just learning now of @WWERomanReigns leukemia diagnosis. Stunned. I liked and respected him from the moment I met him. Sending my very best wishes and prayers for you, Joe.
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) October 23, 2018
Triple H, Shawn Michaels and others embraced Reigns and encouraged him to defeat cancer once again.
“His real name is Joe & he’s a stand up guy! Inside the ring one of the best I’ve battled with. Outside the ring one of the most genuine people I have ever met & learned from. See you soon good brother #ThankYouRoman ( ..and he smells great),” wrote Finn Balor.
His real name is Joe & he’s a stand up guy! Inside the ring one of the best I’ve battled with. Outside the ring one of the most genuine people I have ever met & learned from. See you soon good brother #ThankYouRoman ( ..and he smells great)
— Finn Bálor forEVERYone (@FinnBalor) October 23, 2018
“@WWERomanReigns you are the definition of what it means to be a leader and a champion and one of the toughest lads on the planet. We are all behind you and sending love. You will beat this. #ThankYouRoman,” wrote Becky Lynch.
.@WWERomanReigns you are the definition of what it means to be a leader and a champion and one of the toughest lads on the planet. We are all behind you and sending love. You will beat this. #ThankYouRoman
— Rebecca Quin (@BeckyLynchWWE) October 23, 2018
Legendary WWE superstar Bret Hart sent his words of support for Reigns.
“Fight on to victory my courageous brother!” Hart tweeted with a photo of him with Reigns.
Fight on to victory my courageous brother! pic.twitter.com/wuYAoxa48p
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) October 23, 2018
Reigns’ cousins, The Usos, tweeted: “We been here for u, and will stay here for u. Day one uce. We love you. @WWERomanReigns #ThankYouRoman”
We been here for u, and will stay here for u. Day one uce. We love you. @WWERomanReigns #ThankYouRoman pic.twitter.com/eszthQWPAC
— The Usos (@WWEUsos) October 23, 2018