In 2018, the wrestling world was stunned when Roman Reigns, then the reigning WWE Universal Champion, made a shocking announcement on Monday Night RAW. Reigns revealed that he had been battling leukemia, a chronic disease, for years. This revelation not only explained his recent absence from WWE programming but also shed light on the personal struggles Reigns had been enduring behind the scenes.
Reigns’ journey with leukemia began in 2007 when he was still pursuing a career in professional football. After going undrafted in the NFL, Reigns signed with the Minnesota Vikings but was soon released due to his diagnosis. Despite this setback, Reigns remained resilient and continued to pursue his football dreams, briefly joining the Jacksonville Jaguars before facing another release. Finally, in 2008, Reigns found himself signed by the Edmonton Eskimos, where he played in five games before ultimately parting ways with the team.
While his football career didn’t pan out as he had hoped, Reigns’ battle with leukemia marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Turning his attention to the world of professional wrestling, Reigns embarked on a journey that would eventually lead him to WWE.
Fast forward to 2018, Reigns had established himself as one of WWE’s top stars, capturing multiple championships and headlining WrestleMania events. However, behind the glitz and glamour of the wrestling world, Reigns was silently waging a war against leukemia. When he announced his diagnosis on RAW, the wrestling community rallied around him, showing an outpouring of love and support for the beloved Superstar.
After relinquishing the Universal Championship to focus on his health, Reigns began his treatment journey, undergoing grueling chemotherapy sessions and other medical procedures. Despite the challenges he faced, Reigns remained determined to overcome his illness and return to the ring stronger than ever.
In 2019, Reigns announced that he was in remission, signaling a major milestone in his battle against leukemia. He made a triumphant return to WWE, much to the delight of fans around the world. However, his health struggles were far from over.
As the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe in 2020, Reigns, like many others with underlying health conditions, found himself in a precarious position. Concerns about his compromised immune system led him to opt out of WrestleMania 36, a decision that garnered both understanding and support from fans and peers alike.
Despite the challenges posed by his health battles, Reigns remained steadfast in his commitment to WWE and his legion of fans. His return at SummerSlam 2020 marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering will to succeed.
As Reigns prepares for his upcoming challenge at WrestleMania XL, fans continue to rally behind him, inspired by his courage and tenacity. His story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity.
