WWE, fans in tears as universal champion Roman Reigns announces he has leukaemia
Providence, R.I.: WWE wrestler Roman Reigns says he will step away from the ring because he has leukemia.
The 33-year-old Reigns, whose real name is Joe Anoa’i, made the announcement Monday night to open the episode of “Raw.”
He was originally diagnosed in 2008 at age 22, though he quickly went into remission. He’s been fighting the disease since.
Anoa’i, who played football at Georgia Tech, has appeared in the last four main events at WrestleMania. The WWE’s universal champion said during the announcement that he plans on returning to the ring when he gets healthy.
“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,” WWE said in a statement.
The WWE fraternity, including Roman's 'The Shield' brothers Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, were in tears as Reigns announced the news.
However, there has not been any shortage of support of the WWE superstar with the likes Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Braun Strowman, Paul Hayman, Finn Balor and others hugged and spoke with Reigns as he left the arena following the announcement.
Some of the other WWE stars took to Twitter to show their support to Reigns.
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
‘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
Fight on to victory my courageous brother! pic.twitter.com/wuYAoxa48p
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) October 23, 2018
"It is humbling to be amongst the members of that locker room tonight and to have been in the presence of such courage and such greatness."@HeymanHustle's thoughts are with @WWERomanReigns tonight. #RAW pic.twitter.com/5Xncn4wp2U
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
Love you @wweromanreigns You taught me so much about what it means to be a superstar here. Can’t wait to see you back â¤ï¸
— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) October 23, 2018
Sending all the love to @WWERomanReigns he’s a Superman and one of the hardest workers in @WWE and a true leader. #ThankYouRoman
— PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) October 23, 2018
My thoughts & prayers go out to @WWERomanReigns & his family. Breaks my heart but praying & believing for a speedy & full recovery.
— CJ (Lana) Perry (@LanaWWE) October 23, 2018
Friend, you have my prayers and your family is your greatest support!! This will pass and you will come back stronger than before. Your health is what matters!! Take care of you!ðŸ™ðŸ» pic.twitter.com/dcbp7fSusc
— Vickie Guerrero (@VickieGuerrero) October 23, 2018
His real name is Joe & he’s a stand up guy! Inside the ring one of the best I’ve battled with. Outside the ring one of the most genuine people I have ever met & learned from. See you soon good brother #ThankYouRoman ( ..and he smells great)
— Finn Bálor forEVERYone (@FinnBalor) October 23, 2018
Thank you Roman for showing us what a real warrior looks like. Sending many prayers to you and your family!! We’ll all be waiting for you to come back home to #RAW -B
— Nikki & Brie (@BellaTwins) October 23, 2018
You’re in our thoughts & prayers Joe. You are our Superman! Forever and always! You have an army people standing behind you ready to support and fight with you!ðŸ'›N
— Nikki & Brie (@BellaTwins) October 23, 2018
Strongest thoughts and wishes with @WWERomanReigns - no one stronger and no one more capable of beating this. #ThankYouRoman
— Aiden English (@WWEDramaKing) October 23, 2018
Good luck and here is to seeing you soon #BigDog @WWERomanReigns https://t.co/x04mcBQN6T
— Ember Moon (@WWEEmberMoon) October 23, 2018
Thank you Roman 🙌 my love and prayers go out to you and your family ðŸ'œ we are with you!
— Daria Berenato (@SonyaDevilleWWE) October 23, 2018
About to board my flight to Newark and hearing news about my #GoodBrother and one of the hardest working, strongest brothers I know @WWERomanReigns , got a pit in my stomach.
— Karl Anderson (@KarlAndersonWWE) October 23, 2018
My family throwing so many prayers at you..
Love you bro.
Sending my thoughts and prayers your way @WWERomanReigns ... Thank you and stay strong! ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ŒðŸ¼
— Mandy (@WWE_MandyRose) October 23, 2018
#ThankYouRoman ðŸ™ðŸ½
— MELLA I$ MONEY (@CarmellaWWE) October 23, 2018
Sorry to hear about Roman. I know he’s gonna kick this things butt!! #Believedat
— The One And Only! (@KingRicochet) October 23, 2018
Selfless.
— Dash (@DashWilderWWE) October 23, 2018
Humble.
The Man. #ThankYouRoman
You’re our Universal Champion. We are with you every step of the way brother.
— Tye Dillinger ðŸ"Ÿ (@WWEDillinger) October 23, 2018
If there's anyone that can beat this, it's @WWERomanReigns. Thank you for everything. @WWE
— Mustafa Ali / Adeel Alam (@MustafaAliWWE) October 23, 2018
Roman is one of the nicest people I’ve ever had the privilege to share a locker room with. We all knew he was the locker room leader and we all aspired to be like him. Come back stronger than ever my friend #ThankYouRoman @WWERomanReigns
— Mike Kanellis (@RealMikeBennett) October 23, 2018
He’s our locker room leader.
— Singh Brothers (@SinghBrosWWE) October 23, 2018
He IS the business.
He’ll be back.
You got this, champ. #ThankYouRoman
An amazing human being, an incredible performer & a man I’m proud to be friends with. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. Get well soon, champ! #ThankYouRoman https://t.co/jL1Q5dVvzs
— #WOKEN, yet #BROKEN, Matt Hardy (@MATTHARDYBRAND) October 23, 2018
I’ve said it for a long time! @WWERomanReigns is the best wrestler on the planet! #ThankYouRoman #RAW
— WWE Buddy Murphy (@WWE_Murphy) October 23, 2018
You got this homie ðŸ™ðŸ¼ #ThankYouRoman
— KALISTO (@KalistoWWE) 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.
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) October 23, 2018
Lots of love.
Just saw the @WWERomanReigns news. Absolutely heartbreaking. Roman is one of nicest guys I have ever met in this business and was a pleasure every time I had the pleasure to work with him. My best wishes to him!
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) October 23, 2018
