In a heartbreaking turn for the wrestling world, Roman Reigns—born Leati Joseph Anoaʻi—has been forced to step away from WWE after revealing a relapse of his long-running battle with leukemia. His serious health update was confirmed by Triple H, the WWE executive and former ring icon, adding greater weight to the news than mere speculation.
Early diagnosis and earlier remission
Reigns first disclosed publicly that he had been living with leukemia when he announced on the 22 October 2018 edition of Raw that the disease had returned after an 11-year private fight. He had initially been diagnosed back in 2007, while still trying to find his footing in his early athletic career.
In his announcement, Reigns relinquished the Universal Championship and declared that he was stepping away from his role in WWE to focus on treatment, making it clear: “This is not a retirement speech… I will beat this and I will be back.”
Latest relapse & WWE’s support
According to reports, Reigns’ relapse spurred the decision for him to move away from active competition for the foreseeable future. Triple H, who holds a senior position within WWE’s talent operations, confirmed that due to his medical condition, Reigns would be “more susceptible” and that the company fully supported his decision to step back.
While the exact status of his health and treatment has not been extensively detailed, media sources say he continues to take medication to manage his leukemia and is in “a good place” for now—even as the fight remains ongoing.
What this means for Reigns and WWE
The decision is significant on multiple levels:
For Reigns, this is a moment of vulnerability and strength. A decorated champion and one of WWE’s marquee stars, he now faces perhaps the toughest battle of his life—and one he cannot fight in the ring.
For WWE, the organization must adjust storylines, promotional plans and superstar logistics without one of its biggest names. But more importantly, the company is being publicly measured on how well it supports its talent in times of crisis.
For fans and the wider wrestling community, this announcement serves as a stark reminder: even the strongest-seeming athletes can face life-threatening challenges beyond the spotlight.
Looking ahead with hope
Reigns’ own words back in 2018 carry renewed weight today: “I will beat this and I will be back.” His resilience over the years—balancing peak athletic performance with hidden health struggles—speaks to a deeper courage than any championship belt can represent.
Triple H’s confirmation signals that WWE takes the issue seriously: they’re providing space, resources and support for Reigns’ recovery. For now, fans can rally behind him, respect his hiatus, and look forward to the day he returns as the same powerhouse—or perhaps a re-imagined version of the star we’ve known.
In the meantime, Reigns’ journey stands as an inspiration. He is more than his battles in the ring—he is now a fighter in the truest sense. His story reminds us all that stepping away isn’t defeat—it might just be the strongest move of all.
