Roman Reigns, currently the biggest name World Wrestling Entertainment, revealed stunning news to the audience on Monday night’s episode of Raw.
He is battling leukemia.
Reigns real name is Joe Anoa’i. Joe had previously battled leukemia, but had been in remission since 2008.
In making his announcement, Reigns gave up the WWE’s “Universal Championship” and left it in the ring upon exiting.
“I’m not going to lie, I’ll take 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,” Reigns said in the ring.
.@WWERomanReigns has to relinquish the Universal Championship due to a battle with leukemia. #Raw pic.twitter.com/EhomllNwjK
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
Reigns talked about his emotional story of how he first beat leukemia at 22 years old, and how WWE took a chance on him.
“I will beat this, I will be back, and you will see me very, very soon,” Reigns said.
DON'T call it a retirement speech.@WWERomanReigns WILL beat this, and we will see him again VERY, VERY SOON! #RAW pic.twitter.com/2XZpkEA5rU
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018