By Daily Sports on October 24, 2018
WWE star Roman Reigns is giving up his Universal Championship title because he has leukaemia.
The four-time world champion told fans on Monday he had been diagnosed with the disease 11 years ago but was in remission.
But he says the leukaemia has returned which means he can no longer “be that fighting champion”.
Fans sent messages of support on social media and the hashtag #ThankYouRoman has been trending on Twitter.
Roman, a former American football player, made the announcement in the ring at Monday Night Raw.
Addressing the crowd, the 33-year-old said: “Y’all have made my dreams come true.
“It didn’t matter if you cheered me or you booed me, you’ve always reacted to me and that’s the most important thing and for that I have to say thank you so much.”
Roman, real name Joe Anoa’i, told fans he wanted to make it clear that his announcement wasn’t a “retirement speech”.
He said once he recovers from the leukaemia he will be “coming back home”.
“When I do it’s not going to be just about titles or being on top. It's about a purpose.”
He added: “I will beat this and I will be back so you will see me very, very soon.”
After his emotional address, he was given a hug by Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, his partners from The Shield wrestling group.
Reigns is a four-time world champion having held the WWE World Heavyweight Championship three times and the Universal Championship once. (BBC)
•Photo shows Roman Reigns
Source Daily Sports
Posted October 24, 2018
You may also like...
Sorry Leicester set another unwanted record
NBBF calls up 27 players for Olympics training...
Tuchel Begs Azpilicueta Not To Quit Chelsea
Portugal names Roberto Martinez new coach
David Luiz Set To Leave Arsenal
Portugal Plan Friendly Against Super Eagles Ahead of...

President’s death forces aquatic federation calendar shake-up
Diamond League announces Amusan for Prefontaine Classic
Chelle receives Agu, Nwaiwu injury boost
Lagos schools gear up for TASG athletics showcase
D’Tigress open W’Cup qualifying campaign with Colombia clash
Onigbide's contributions helped shape Nigeria’s football, NSC mourns ex-Super Eagles coach
Joshua career-earnings per punch recorded at £172k
Onuachu breaks 14-year Trabzonspor goal record
Musa dedicates derby win to Pillars fan
Rivers United’s scoring run thrills Finidi
How Arsenal can win Premier League
NWFL player Ihotu regains freedom after N1.5m ransom
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,608 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (54,933 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,838 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,464 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,384 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,291 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,165 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,710 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,888 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,403 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,795 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,270 views)