In news that has stunned the professional wrestling world, Roman Reigns has announced a near eleven year battle with leukemia, and will be taking time away from WWE as it has now sadly returned.
At the top of Monday Night Raw, Reigns revealed that he is relinquishing the WWE Universal Title and then announced that he is battling the disease once again, which had been in remission since 2008.
.@WWERomanReigns has to relinquish the Universal Championship due to a battle with leukemia. #Raw pic.twitter.com/EhomllNwjK
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
He said that he was going home to focus on his family and his health, before declaring that this was “not a retirement speech” and after he would be back after he’s done “kicking leukemia’s ass” again.
Following his announcement, Reigns was joined by Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins on the stage for a highly emotional embrace.
There's no brotherhood greater.#Raw @WWERomanReigns @TheDeanAmbrose @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/QHFemFd9A5
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
WWE have released a statement on this matter:
STAMFORD, Conn., October 22, 2018 – 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.
Everyone here at TWM offer their thoughts and prayers to Joe Anoa’i and his entire family, and we wish him a speedy recovery.