October 22, 2018, a day that left a scar in the hearts of not only WWE fans but the fans of the industry as well.
Roman Reigns like any other Raw, came out to a thunderous reaction, whether they were boos or cheers. As he made his way down to the ring you could feel his pain. Reigns wasn’t his usual confident self but a grief-stricken man.
One last time Reigns looks to the crowd before he talked about his tragic news.
He started off by saying “I feel like I owe everybody an apology. For months, maybe even a full year I’ve came out and said that I’d be a fighting champion. I said I would be consistent, that I would be a workhorse…my real name is Joe.”
At this point, you heard the crowd fall to a hush and start to realize this isn’t a work. “I’ve been living with leukemia for 11 years and unfortunately it’s back.” A tearful crowd chants “Thank you Roman” as Reigns laid the belt on the canvas. As Reigns made his way up the ramp, his Shield brothers were there to embrace him and pose one last time as the Shield.
Even though Roman is a part of the WWE, it didn’t stop Wrestlers such as Kenny Omega or Tama Tonga, even NJPW.
All gimmicks aside, my prayers and thoughts are with you @WWERomanReigns . Much Ofas always Uce
— 'Bad Boy' Tama Tonga (@Tama_Tonga) October 23, 2018
Cheering for you from the opposite side of the globe. Nothing but respect for Roman.
— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) October 23, 2018
A champion transcends any company. @WWERomanReigns, on behalf of NJPW we all wish you a speedy recovery.
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) October 23, 2018
With Roman’s announcement, it allowed a new light to be shined on cancer in the WWE Universe. The WWE, alongside Roman, have created many programs under their Hope initiative. Their Connor’s Cure initiative alone has raised as much as $2 million for pediatric cancer this year.
Upon his return from Leukemia, I believe this will be the biggest return in WWE history. This return will outdo the pop generated by classic returns such as the Rock before WrestleMania 27 and Stone Cold’s return at Raw 25.
To describe a Roman Reigns match many would say “kick out at two, Superman Punch, Spear, 1, 2, 3.” Many use this now as a rally cry for Reigns to defeat cancer and return to his former glory.