Roman Reigns Announced At Monday Night Raw That He’s Stepping Away From Ring Due To His Ongoing Fight Against Leukemia
Leati Joseph Anoa’i aka Roman Reigns, a former football player has since turned into a WWE superstar revealed on Monday Night Raw that he had been battling with cancer for 11 years, but the disease was back into remission.
Since it has now returned, Reigns said he’s stepping away from the ring to get proper treatment. As a result Roman relinquished his WWE’s Universal Championship.
Roman told the crowd that he has a faith that he’ll return soon. (H/T ESPN)
“My real name is Joe, and I’ve been living with leukemia for 11 years,” Anoa’i said to the crowd at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. “And, unfortunately, it’s back. And because the leukemia is back, I cannot fulfill my role — I can’t be that fighting champion — and I’m going to have to relinquish the Universal championship. … I want to make one thing clear: By no means is this a retirement speech. Because after I’m done whipping leukemia’s ass once again, I’m coming back home.”
As soon Roman finish with his announcement, WWE sent out an official statement on Reigns’ diagnosis.
“Tonight on Monday Night Raw, Roman Reigns [a.k.a. Joe Anoa’i] announced that he is relinquishing the WWE Universal championship and taking a leave of absence from WWE as he once again fights leukemia, which had been in remission since late 2008,” the WWE said in the statement. “Reigns is taking his battle with leukemia public in an effort to raise awareness and funds for research in order to advance cures for the disease.”
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Reigns last performed inside the WWE ring on October 15 in the main event of Monday Night Raw.
Shortly after Reigns poured his soul to WWE universe, he hugged and shed tears with his shield teammates, Dean Ambrose, and Seth Rollins.
Some of the biggest names in wrestling outpouring their support, including Reigns real-life cousins Jimmy and Jey Us.
‘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
‘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
“Stunned. I liked and respected him from the moment I met him. Sending my very best wishes and prayers for you, Joe,” Mick Foley tweeted.
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
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
We been here for u, and will stay here for u. Day one uce. We love you.
WWE’s Stephanie McMahon also send wishes to Roman after the announcement:
On Tuesday morning, Reigns took to Twitter and thanked all his supporters:
Thank you to everyone who’s reached out…I can’t put into words what it means to me.
Your energy and positivity motivate me to get better quickly to get back in the ring, but for now I’m going to spend time with my family and focus on health.
Thank you – Joe/Roman
— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) October 23, 2018
Team Fitnessvolt sends our best wishes to WWE legend Roman Reigns and hope he has a speedy recovery.
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