Roman Reigns reveals battle with leukemia, gives up Universal Title

“My name is Joe and I’ve been living with leukemia for 11 years, and unfortunately it’s back,” Roman Reigns announced during Raw Monday night (Tuesday morning, Manila time).

“And because it’s back, I cannot fulfill my role, I can’t be that fighting champion and I’ll have to relinquish the universal championship,” he continued.

After sharing his history with illness — his initial diagnosis at age 22, and how he went into remission 10 years ago in 2008 — The Big Dog shared the WWE for giving him a chance.

“You all have made my dreams come true,” he said in his emotional speech. “You’ve always reacted to me and that is the most important thing, and for that I have to say thank you so much.”

Roman made it clear “this is by no way a retirement speech” and that he will be back “after I’m done whooping leukemia’s ass once again.”

— LA, GMA News