Roman Reigns reveals he has leukemia, relinquishes WWE Universal Championship on RAW

Roman Reigns revealed on Monday Night RAW that he has leukemia and has relinquished the WWE Universal Championship.

In a shocking announcement to open WWE Monday Night RAW, Roman Reigns, whose real name is Joe Anoa’i, revealed to the world that he has leukemia and has relinquished the WWE Universal Championship. No, this is not storyline. This is as real as it gets, folks.

Standing in the ring in street clothes with the Universal title draped over his shoulder, Reigns obviously got very emotional in talking to the live crowd in Providence and the millions watching around the world. Rumors of Roman being injured have been swirling for days, and it simply seemed that he might be addressing his status for WWE Crown Jewel, which was supposed to see Reigns defend his title against Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar in a Triple Threat Match in the highly controversial event in Saudi Arabia next week. But leukemia?

Reigns revealed that he was first diagnosed with the disease 11 years ago and has been battling it ever since. He did vow, however, that this was not a retirement speech and that as soon as he’s done “whooping leukemia’s ass once again,” he’ll be coming back home to WWE.

Following his announcement, his Shield brethren, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, met him at the top of the ramp in an emotional scene.

What I really hope people remember here is that these men and women in WWE are human beings. Sure, it’s okay to boo the guys you don’t like in the ring — .they are entertainers and that’s what you’re supposed to do — but I’m hoping that the Roman haters can keep it classy as he enters a battle far more important than anything he’s ever done in the ring.

On behalf of all those here at FanSided, we wish Joe Anoa’i the best of luck.