Roman Reigns Reveals He Has Leukemia, Vacates Universal Title

In an emotional opening segment on Monday Night Raw, Roman Reigns revealed that he was diagnosed with Leukemia 11 years ago and that he had been living with it since.

Then, in a shocking moment, Reigns told the stunned crowd that the disease had returned and he needed to step away from the ring to receive treatment.

Passionate and resolute, Reigns thanked the fans for making his dreams come true, saying it didn’t matter if they cheered him or booed him.

.@WWERomanReigns has officially relinquished the Universal Championship on #RAW. pic.twitter.com/Dov281qW94

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 23, 2018

He then vacated the Universal Title, but told fans that this was not a retirement speech and he intended to come back after he had “kicked Leaukemia’s ass”.

The crowd chanted “thank you Roman”, with several members of the crowd breaking down in tears.

WrestleTalk would like to extend the best to Roman Reigns and his family at this troubling time and wish him a speedy and full recovery.

*UPDATE: WWE released the following statement regarding Reigns’ battle with cancer:

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. 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.

• Leukemia
• RAW
• Roman Reigns
• wwe

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