Leukemia by Roman Reigns: WWE Champion Releases Raw Belt

WWE Champion, Roman Reigns, revealed that he was suffering from leukemia.

Leati Joseph Anoa's i, 33, his real name, publicly revealed to Raw that he had been diagnosed for the disease 11 years ago. He was in remission while he was at the top of the WWE.

But Monday night, in a moving speech, Reigns revealed that his leukemia had returned.

"All of you have realized my dreams," Reigns told the crowd. "It did not matter if you comforted me or booed me, you always reacted to me and that is the most important thing and for that I have to thank you very much."

He also pointed out that his speech "was not a retirement speech" but confirmed that he would have to be absent for treatment and, as a result, he was giving up his title of champion of the WWE world.

"When I do [return] it will not only be about titles or being on top. It's a goal, he added. I'm going to beat that and I'll come back for you to see me very, very soon. "

This announcement left viewers and viewers stunned by the fact that Reigns had never spoken of his illness in public, which caused a wave of emotion among his colleagues. His former Shield partners, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, came to embrace him after his announcement.

To add to the emotion, fans who regularly booed the quadruple world champion every week gave Reigns a standing ovation, chanting "Thank you Romain" as you leave the ring.

Daniel Bryan, general manager of Smackdown Live, wrote on Twitter: "I've never seen the air sucked into a cloakroom like tonight.Our thoughts and prayers go to Roman and his family. ThankYouRoman. "

John Cena, 16-time world champion, added: "Courage – Strength in the face of grief or grief." You gave us everything, including a courageously vulnerable moment. We, your family of the WWE, you bring all our love and support #ThankYouRoman #NeverGiveUp. "

Triple H, WWE's executive vice president for talent, live events and creation, was one of the first to embrace Reigns as he returned backstage, where the legend of WWE, Shawn Michaels, also hugged him.