In a shocking opening to tonight’s Monday Night Raw, Roman Reigns confirmed early reports he had “health issues” and may not be able to take part in next month’s Crown Jewel. Although it was nothing anyone was prepared for. Roman Reigns announced that he had been battling leukemia for 11 years and it had returned and would need to take time off to battle cancer, relinquishing his WWE Universal Championship. According to a press release from the WWE on the situation, it had last gone into remission in 2008 but appears to be back once again. There is no timetable for his return to the ring, but Roman plans on going very public with his battle to help raise awareness.
Roman Reigns Leukemia Returns, Relinquishes Universal Title
“I’ve been living with leukemia for 11 years, and unfortunately it’s back…I’m going to have to relinquish the Universal Championship.” – @WWERomanReigns #RAW pic.twitter.com/WnT4qyBUSx
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
The wrestling community was quick to show their support to the WWE Superstar.
I just witnessed @WWERomanReigns give the most heart felt promo I’ve ever seen. Much respect to you Roman. #PrayforRoman #thankyouroman
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) October 23, 2018
@WWERomanReigns My Family And I Are Thinking Of You And Are Keeping You In Our Prayers! We Are Here For You! ??????
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) October 23, 2018
♥️ THANKYOU, @WWERomanReigns. Praying for you and your family.
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) October 23, 2018
Regardless of what you think of this man (I love him) guy works extremely hard.
Please get well sir, know you can beat this ? @WWERomanReigns https://t.co/5ifIJO8CVm— ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) October 23, 2018
My heart right now …. Prayers for @WWERomanReigns ??? https://t.co/9sqk0KfFnP
— Lexi Kaufman (@AlexaBliss_WWE) October 23, 2018
Shocked. @WWERomanReigns is the man for what he’s done so far, and Joe is simply a great guy. Roman is already a legend. Positive thoughts for him and his family. Heartbreaking.
— Sam Roberts (@notsam) October 23, 2018
Sad, real life stuff there. Getting health is top priority for him and his family. If Roman Reigns does beat it leukemia and come back to #WWE—he might finally be the overwhelming babyface they wanted similar to Shawn after the “I lost my smile” speech. #RAW
— Justin LaBar (@JustinLaBar) October 23, 2018
Such shocking news about @WWERomanReigns. Like millions of other people, wishing him all the best and a speedy recovery.
— Jim Smallman – ジム・スモールマン (@jimsmallman) October 23, 2018
Thank you @WWERomanReigns, we are with you! #ThankYouRoman #RAW
— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) October 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/TheRealXPac/status/1054526459618848768
It's very easy to see the people we see on television as people who aren't real life human beings. Whatever your opinion of Roman Reigns may be, this is heartbreaking. Sending all love his way.
— Adam Pacitti (@adampacitti) October 23, 2018