-Due to Roman Reigns vacating the Universal Championship, WWE has decided to make the match at Crown Jewel that was scheduled to be a triple threat match into a one on one match. Now Braun Strowman will battle Brock Lesnar, with the winner becoming the new Universal Champion. No word on the status of Crown Jewel, however. Given the uncertainty surrounding the event, it is somewhat surprising that WWE didn’t opt to crown a new Universal Champion during Survivor Series instead.
-As shown live at the opening of tonight’s Monday Night RAW, Roman Reigns announced he was relinquishing the Universal Title effective immediately due to a recurrence of leukemia. Reigns was first diagnosed with the disease eleven years ago, and in order to undergo treatment, the Superstar vacated the title. Below are some tweets from the WWE Universe.
“I’ve been living with leukemia for 11 years, and unfortunately it’s back.” @WWERomanReigns announced plans to step away from the ring on Monday Night #Raw. https://t.co/sOw3yVpCJo
— Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) October 23, 2018
Our job gives us the ability to portray larger than life characters who possess super human qualities and characteristics.
After hearing his story it’s very apparent that Joe Anoa’i is just as much of a superhero as “Roman Reigns” is.#ThankYouRoman
— Johnny Gargano (@JohnnyGargano) October 23, 2018
Just want to say that was a wonderful speech by Roman Reigns and I hope everyone says more than a few prayers for him.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) October 23, 2018
We been here for u, and will stay here for u. Day one uce. We love you. @WWERomanReigns #ThankYouRoman pic.twitter.com/eszthQWPAC
— The Usos (@WWEUsos) October 23, 2018
#ThankYouRoman ??
We luv you man. You got this!— Zelina Vega (@Zelina_VegaWWE) October 23, 2018
‘Courage – strength in the face of pain or grief.’ You have given us your everything including a courageously vulnerable moment. We, your WWE family, give you all of our love and support. #ThankYouRoman #NeverGiveUp
— John Cena (@JohnCena) October 23, 2018
Roman is one of the best I’ve ever been in the ring with and one of the guys I respect and look up to the most in this industry.
My thoughts are with him and his family. I can’t wait to see him overcome this and get to share a locker room with him again soon.#ThankYouRoman
— . (@FightOwensFight) October 23, 2018
An entire locker room and universe is thinking about you and your family Roman. you inspire us all. You got this big man#ThankYouRoman
— Nikki Cross (@NikkiCrossWWE) October 23, 2018