Well here’s some sad & very unfortunate news. WWE’s Roman Reigns, aka Leati Joseph Anoa’i, kicked of Monday night’s episode of RAW by announcing his battle with cancer (leukemia) has returned.
"My real name is Joe, and I've been living with leukemia for 11 years," Roman Reigns said, in front of the crowd at Providence's Dunkin' Donuts Center. "And, unfortunately, it's back. And because the leukemia is back, I cannot fulfill my role -- I can't be that fighting champion -- and I'm going to have to relinquish the Universal championship ... I want to make one thing clear: by no means is this a retirement speech. Because after I'm done whipping leukemia's ass once again, I'm coming back home."
After the announcement, the WWE made an official statement revealing some additional details on Anoa'i's condition. "Tonight on Monday Night Raw, Roman Reigns [a.k.a. 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," the WWE said. "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.”
After making his announcement, Reigns laid down the title belt in the ring and was then embraced at the top of the entrance ramp by teammates and close friends.
Several WWE wrestlers and figure heads have taken to social media to give Roman their support, which you can see for yourself (below).
https://twitter.com/_/status/1054544653092032514
https://twitter.com/_/status/1054535766146088960
https://twitter.com/_/status/1054547150783148032