It’s indeed a tough time for American wrestler, Roman Reigns as he laid down his WWE Universal Championship title due to prolonged leukemia.
Roman Reigns revealed to his fans on Monday Oct. 22 he has been diagonised with the disease since about 11 years ago but was in remission.
Reigns said the leukaemia has returned which means he can no longer “be that fighting champion” which made him give up his title.
Fans sent messages of support on social media and the hashtag #ThankYouRoman has been trending on Twitter.
Roman, a former American football player, made the announcement in the ring at Monday Night Raw.
.@WWERomanReigns has to relinquish the Universal Championship due to a battle with leukemia. #Raw pic.twitter.com/EhomllNwjK
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
“Y’all have made my dreams come true,” the 33-year-old said addressing the crowd.
“It didn’t matter if you cheered me or you booed me, you’ve always reacted to me and that’s the most important thing and for that I have to say thank you so much.”
Roman, real name Joe Anoa’i, told fans he wanted to make it clear that his announcement wasn’t a “retirement speech” and revealed once he recovers he is “coming back home”.
“When I do it’s not going to be just about titles or being on top. It’s about a purpose.”
He added: “I will beat this and I will be back so you will see me very, very soon.”
After his emotional address, he was given a hug by Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, his partners from The Shield wrestling group.
Very emotional start to #Raw with Roman Reigns announcing he has leukemia and needs to obviously step away from wrestling. He gave a great speech, the fans chanted his name and supported him. He gave up the Universal Title. Then he got a hug from his Shield brothers. God bless. pic.twitter.com/5rCwBqrVCJ
— John Canton (@johnreport) October 23, 2018
Fans and other wrestling stars sent messages of support on Twitter.
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 @WWERomanReigns, we are with you! #ThankYouRoman #RAW
— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) October 23, 2018
Thank you Roman ???? my love and prayers go out to you and your family ???? we are with you!
— Daria Berenato (@SonyaDevilleWWE) October 23, 2018
Reigns is a four-time world champion having held the WWE World Heavyweight Championship three times and the Universal Championship once.
