In the opening segment of Monday Night Raw, Roman Reigns walked down to the ring. He appeared to have something weighing on his person, something much heavier than the Universal Championship that he had over his shoulder.
The four time world champion referred to himself by his real name (Joe Anoa’i). He revealed that, eleven years ago, he had a terse battle with leukemia. This disease hit him when he was no longer a prospect for the Minnesota Vikings or Jacksonville Jaguars, was in financial destitute and had a child on the way. Reigns revealed that after over a decade in remission, the leukemia has returned.
.@WWERomanReigns has to relinquish the Universal Championship due to a battle with leukemia. #Raw pic.twitter.com/EhomllNwjK
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
Reigns stated that WWE gave him a chance when no other sport would. He remained composed, telling the crowd that this isn’t a retirement speech and that after he’s done whooping leukemia’s ass, he’d be back kicking ass in WWE. The crowd, for the first time since his main event push, all chanted in unison “Thank You, Roman”.
As Roman headed up the ramp to exit the arena, his music played for what would be the last time for quite a while. He was greeted just outside of the Gorilla Position by his SHIELD brothers-in-arms, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. Ambrose was more melancholy than usual. Rollins was visibly shaken as flowed from his eyes. They showed their love for their long time friend in a long embrace.
Roman Reigns signed with World Wrestling Entertainment in 2010. Following a two year stint in developmental, Reigns debuted on the main roster alongside Ambrose and Rollins at the 2012 Survivor Series. The Shield went on to become one of the most dominant three-man factions in the history of professional wrestling. After the Shield disbanded, Roman went on to have a prolific singles run.
Reigns comes from a long line of famous wrestlers, like his father, Sika Anoa’i, Yokozuna, Rikishi and The Rock. He has a wife and three children.
We at The Scrum Sports send our thoughts and prayers to his family. Hopefully, Reigns makes a full recovery and can put this horrible disease behind him indefinitely.
