By Dickson Preye
Wwe's hottest superstar and one of it's best in-ring performers, Roman Reigns revealed on monday that his real-life battle with Leukemia will force him to spend time away from the WWE effective immediately.
Roman Reign's (real name, Joe Anoa'i) shocking revelation was met with sadness and an outburst of tears from the WWE universe. He said the disease had originally been diagnosed back in 2008 when he was 22. He went into remission quickly and has been fighting the disease since then. He apologized to the crowd for not being the fighting champion, the hero and Warrior they had hoped for, saying:
"That's all lies and it's a lie because the truth is my name's Joe and i've been living with Leukemia for 11 years and sadly it's back. "He said because it's back i can't fulfill my role, I can't be that fighting champion and i'm going to have to relinquish the Universal Championship. "I ain't gonna lie, i'll take every prayer you can send my way but i'm not looking for sympathy, i don't want you to feel bad for me because i have faith".
Joe Anoa'i, a former college footballer at Georgia Tech who has featured in the main event of Wrestlemania's last four editions also made sure to let the WWE universe know he was by no means giving a retirement speech saying: "sometimes life throws you a curve-ball and the best thing for me to do is to get back home and focus on my health". He also said "But i want to make one thing clear: By no means is this a retirement speech because as soon as i'm done kicking Leukemia's ass, I'm coming back to the WWE".
And when i do, it's not going to be about tittles and being on top, it's gonna be about a purpose. "I'm coming back because i want to show you all at home, my family, my children and my wife that when life throws a curveball at me, i will choke up and swing for the fences every single time. I will beat this and i will be back so you will see me very, very soon".
Reigns went on to relate his experience when he was first diagnosed of Leukemia at the age of 22 before the disease went into remission, Saying "it was the hardest time in my life with a baby on the way and football being done with me". He then praised the WWE for being the only team to give him a chance before doing the same to the WWE universe for helping him achieve his dreams of becoming a professional wrestler.
Following Reigns' announcement , his shield brothers Rollins and Ambrose joined him at the entrance ramp. Seth Rollins( with tears in his eyes) and Dean Ambrose, stuck out their fists and Reigns joined them in a show of solidarity before the trio hugged.
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