It was a somber evening on ‘Monday Night Raw’ as wrestling icon and WWE superstar Roman Reigns announced he has Leukemia.
Roman Reigns, real name Joe Anoa’i, announced his leave of absence during the weekly show, which saw fellow wrestlers react in shock.
Here’s Roman Reigns announcing on Monday Night Raw that his leukemia has returned. pic.twitter.com/ucdWvgDmzd
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) October 23, 2018
WWE release during #Raw:
Tonight on Monday Night Raw, Roman Reigns (aka 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.
— Adam Silverstein (@SilversteinAdam) October 23, 2018
For those without the ability to watch Reign’s announcement, here it is in text version:
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 and I’m going to have to relinquish the Univeral championship.
I’m not going to lie, I’m going to need every prayer you can send my way but I’m not looking for sympathy, I’m not looking for you to feel bad for me because I have faith. When I was 22 years old I was diagnosed with this and very quickly I was able to put it in remission but I’m not going to lie that was the hardest time of my life, I didn’t have a job. I didn’t have any money, I didn’t have a home and I had a bady on the way and football was done with me.But you want to know who gave me a chance, the team who gave me a chance was the WWE. “I will beat this, I will be back, and you will see me very, very soon
Fans and wrestling icons reacted to the news with heavy hearts:
@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
I'm overseas and I just heard the terrible news about @WWERomanReigns and his battle with Leukemia. Totally shocked. Uce, you are a tough bastard and a true fighter, and you will beat this.
Lots of love.— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) October 23, 2018
♥️ THANKYOU, @WWERomanReigns. Praying for you and your family.
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) October 23, 2018