WWE star Roman Reigns reveals battle with leukemia
On Monday night, WWE star Roman Reigns – real name Joe Anoa’i – revealed that he was taking a leave of absence as he battles leukemia.
The stunning announcement opened “Raw” as Anoa’i revealed that he has battled the disease in the past and that he had been in remission since 2008.
Anoa’i, one of the biggest stars in the WWE, revealed that due to his health, he would be relinquishing the Universal Championship, which he was set to defend in a triple-threat match against Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman at the “Crown Jewel” event set to take place next month in Saudi Arabia.
.@WWERomanReigns has to relinquish the Universal Championship due to a battle with leukemia. #Raw pic.twitter.com/EhomllNwjK
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
“My real name is Joe and I’ve been living with Leukemia for 11 years and unfortunately, it’s back. And because the leukemia is back, I cannot fulfill my role, I can’t be that fighting champion [I said I would be],” Anoa’i announced.
The crowd, which normally heavily boos the former Georgia Tech football star, gave Anoa’i an emotional ovation and chanted “Thank you, Roman” during the announcement. Anoa’i laid his championship belt in the center of the ring and was then joined by his stablemates Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins as he made his teary-eyed departure.
There's no brotherhood greater.#Raw @WWERomanReigns @TheDeanAmbrose @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/QHFemFd9A5
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
The 33-year-old Anoa’i, who said his previous bout with the cancer ended his football career, vowed to return to WWE.
“I want to make one thing clear, by no means is this a retirement speech, because after I’m done [beating] Leukemia once again, I’m coming back home.”
Following Anoa’i’s announcement, support from around the wrestling world poured in.
♥️ THANKYOU, @WWERomanReigns. Praying for you and your family.
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) October 23, 2018
Thank you @WWERomanReigns, we are with you! #ThankYouRoman #RAW
— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) October 23, 2018
@WWERomanReigns My Family And I Are Thinking Of You And Are Keeping You In Our Prayers! We Are Here For You! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) 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