Roman Reigns sent WWE Universe in shock when he announced that he will be taking time off wrestling as he was diagnosed with leukaemia and was battling the disease for 11 years.
He relinquished his WWE Universal Title during the opening segment on RAW.
The 33-year-old Reigns, whose real name is Leati Joseph Anoa’i, made the announcement yesterday.
Reigns, who said that he was giving away his Championship belt, was first diagnosed with the disease at the age of 22. He decided to take a break after he discovered that leukaemia has returned.
Leukaemia is cancer which starts in blood-forming tissue, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system.
The father of three also apologised to his fans for hiding his cancer battle for 11 years.
“The reality is, my real name is Joe and I’ve been living with leukaemia for 11 years. And unfortunately, it’s back. The leukaemia is back and unfortunately, because it’s back I can’t fulfil my role, I can’t be that fighting champion. And I'm going to have to relinquish the universal championship,” he said.
He added: "I will beat this, and I will be back and you will see me very, very soon. Once again thank you so much, God bless you and I love you."
Reigns is a WWE Universe and former Royal Rumble winner - and before that, he was a professional gridiron football player.