In a shocking start to Monday Night Raw, Roman Reigns announced that he has leukemia and is relinquishing his Universal Championship to go home and take care of his health.
"I've been living with leukemia for 11 years, and unfortunately it's back…I'm going to have to relinquish the Universal Championship." – @WWERomanReigns #RAW pic.twitter.com/WnT4qyBUSx
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
Roman said “by no means is this a retirement speech,” saying he’s going to “whoop leukemia’s ass” and come back.
.@WWERomanReigns has officially relinquished the Universal Championship on #RAW. pic.twitter.com/Dov281qW94
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 23, 2018
He was joined by his Shield brothers, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, on the stage. Rollins and Ambrose were visibly distraught from the news.
There's no brotherhood greater.#Raw @WWERomanReigns @TheDeanAmbrose @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/QHFemFd9A5
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Reigns as he battles this disease.