Sad news for the wrestling universe. Roman Reigns made a shocking announcement during this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw. He has now relinquished the Universal Championship, after announcing his leukemia has come back after being in remission.
Why Did Roman Relinquish his Title?
Monday Night Raw started with a highly emotional speech from Roman Reigns. While the crowd did their usual Roman booing, it soon became clear Roman was not delivering a regular promo.
During his segment on Monday Night Raw, Roman disclosed that his leukemia had returned. Roman was diagnosed with leukemia 11 years ago, but went into remission.
When giving his speech, Roman Reigns thanked the WWE Universe and the WWE for giving him a shot after leukemia ruined his chances at a professional football career.
“It didn’t matter if you cheered me or you booed me, you’ve always reacted to me and that’s the most important thing and for that I have to say thank you so much” – Roman Reigns
The segment of Monday Night Raw ended with his Shield buddies, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, meeting Roman up the ramp. A clearly visibly upset Ambrose and overwhelmed Rollins gave Roman a hug.
Reigns Says It Is Not a Retirement Speech
Despite being dealt a major health blow, Roman Reigns made a professional and true champion speech in the ring. Being diagnosed with a condition such as leukemia is difficult enough, but having to announce it in front of millions is even more difficult.
I commend Roman for speaking in public. Even though he did not have to, the speech was certainly a platform to give hope to other leukemia and cancer sufferers.
During his announcement, Roman made it very clear that this would not be a retirement speech. He vowed to return to the ring soon.
“I will beat this and I will be back so you will see me very, very soon.” – Roman Reigns
It Has Broken Everyone’s Heart
Very emotional start to #Raw with Roman Reigns announcing he has leukemia and needs to obviously step away from wrestling. He gave a great speech, the fans chanted his name and supported him. He gave up the Universal Title. Then he got a hug from his Shield brothers. God bless. pic.twitter.com/5rCwBqrVCJ
— John Canton (TJRWrestling) (@johnreport) October 23, 2018
Roman’s announcement has hit the WWE Universe and WWE staff hard. Nobody saw this coming, especially since Roman looks so healthy.
In addition to thousands of social media messages, Roman also received a lot of support from the legends backstage including Triple H, Paul Heyman, Nia Jax, Braun Strowman, Finn Balor, and Shawn Michaels.
https://twitter.com/LITREIGNS/status/1054578739307175938
After his speech, Roman received countless tweets from fans and fellow superstars, showing their support for the WWE wrestler. Here are some of my favorites and my own message of support for Roman.
I’ve never seen the air sucked out of a locker room like it was tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with Roman and his family. #ThankYouRoman
— Bryan Danielson (@bryandanielson) October 23, 2018
His real name is Joe & he’s a stand up guy! Inside the ring one of the best I’ve battled with. Outside the ring one of the most genuine people I have ever met & learned from. See you soon good brother #ThankYouRoman ( ..and he smells great)
— Finn Bálor (@FinnBalor) October 23, 2018
After watching the beginning of WWE Raw last night, I’ve come to the conclusion that we all should be grateful that we woke up this morning to experience life to its fullest. Make each day count, because you never know what life will throw at you. #ThankYouRoman
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) October 23, 2018
Long drive. Really can’t get @WWERomanReigns off my mind. He’s truly the backbone of the entire locker room. I can’t wait to see you back Big Uce. #ThankYouRoman
— Brian Myers (@Myers_Wrestling) October 23, 2018
The world is with you during your battle, Joe ❤️ @WWERomanReigns @WWE pic.twitter.com/ll6b0fWYXp
— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) October 23, 2018
Fighting leukemia is tough,
But they don't make them tougher than @WWERomanReigns
He will beat this again #ThankYouRoman— Levis (@LevyValenz) October 23, 2018
#ThankYouRoman Joe will fight this, just like he fought his way to the top of the WWE. Get well soon. Prayers to you and your family.
— Sandra Dedeyne (@Santje1987) October 23, 2018
Support messages for Roman are currently going through #ThankYouRoman. Be sure to send your messages of support too! We here at Ringside are heartbroken, but we have no doubt Roman will take his fighting spirit and whoop leukemia’s ass!
Want to stay updated? Sign up to our newsletter.
More About:Ringside Intel Sports Wrestling