On Monday, Roman Reigns opened RAW by revealing that he would have to give up his Universal Championship due to the fact that he would need to deal with his leukemia, which has unfortunately returned, and which he has dealt with for over a decade:
He also mentioned that this would not signal his retirement, as he stated "After I’m done whooping leukemia’s ass I’m coming back home."
Additionally, the WWE released a statement:
Tonight on Monday Night Raw, Roman Reigns (aka 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. 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.
People soon took to Twitter with the hashtag #ThankYouRoman to show their support.
#ThankYouRoman 👊🏽
We luv you man. You got this!
My prayers are with you & your family @WWERomanReigns ❤️🙏 #ThankYouRoman
An entire locker room and universe is thinking about you and your family Roman. you inspire us all. You got this big man#ThankYouRoman
