Roman Reigns revealed during the WrestleMania 40 press conference that he’s still on a drug for Leukemia.
“Well, I’m still on oral chemotherapy. It’s a medication that I’m going to have to remain on my entire life most likely. So yeah, that’s just a part of my personal battle. It doesn’t affect…thank God, I’m still able to perform. I think anybody in my position would say, health is wealth. And as long as I can continue to perform, then you already know that that’s at bay, so we’re good. We’re still in remission. But it is something that is still a part of my life.”
In an emotional announcement that reverberated through the world of sports entertainment, Roman Reigns, born Joe Anoa’i, stepped into the WWE ring on October 22, 2018, not as the indomitable character fans had come to admire but as a man facing a very real and personal battle. Reigns revealed to a stunned audience that he was relinquishing his Universal Championship title to once again fight leukemia, a disease he had initially been diagnosed with at the age of 22.
Roman Reigns, a key figure in WWE and a member of the famed Anoa’i family wrestling dynasty, had kept his first bout with leukemia private, overcoming the disease with the support of his family and close friends. However, the disease’s return 11 years later prompted him to share his struggle with the world, not only to explain his absence from the ring but also to raise awareness about leukemia.
Leukemia, a type of cancer that affects blood and bone marrow, requires intensive treatment and immense resilience from those it afflicts. For Reigns, it meant stepping away from the spotlight and focusing on his health, undergoing treatment that tested his physical and mental strength. Despite the challenges, Reigns’ journey was marked by determination, hope, and the support of fans worldwide.
Remarkably, just a few months after his announcement, Roman Reigns returned to WWE in February 2019, sharing the incredible news that his leukemia was once again in remission. His comeback was met with widespread celebration, both for the man himself and for what his fight represented. Reigns had become a beacon of hope for many, proving that even in the face of a daunting adversary like leukemia, resilience and perseverance could prevail.
