In one of the most emotional moments on live WWE television, Roman Reigns relinquished the WWE Universal Title and announced to the world that he’s suffered from leukemia for 11 years now, and that the condition has relapsed.
Roman mentioned that he needs to be with his family at this moment and that he needs to focus on his health and getting better. However, he did say that this wasn’t a retirement speech and that he will be back, stronger than ever.
Understandably, the WWE Universe was shocked by the announcement and the love and support poured in from all quarters, and it hasn’t stopped since.
You can read the initial collection of reactions to Reigns’ announcement from WWE Superstars that we compiled.
Here are some of the reactions that came in later.
My heart hurts… https://t.co/Cb4KAXcCcL
— ASUKA / 明日華 (@WWEAsuka) October 23, 2018
I’ve never seen the air sucked out of a locker room like it was tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with Roman and his family. #ThankYouRoman
— Bryan Danielson (@bryandanielson) October 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/1054588667002544129
Come on #bigdog. After your another fight, let’s do this again. #thankyouroman https://t.co/tYdkHmAUHb
— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) October 23, 2018
#ThankYouRoman ?#KeepSteppinUce pic.twitter.com/u7LFbxDKf9
— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) October 23, 2018
He’s the dopest. ❤️✊? https://t.co/ixyFmDJCEf
— LIV Morgan (@YaOnlyLivvOnce) October 23, 2018
My sincere prayers for @WWERomanReigns to not only BEAT Leukemia but to Also Continue to be a Beacon Of Light as he Has Always Been for our @WWE Family,Partners and Fans. To All of us you and your Family are LOVED,APPRECIATED AND We’re Grateful For What you’ve sacrificed 4US ALL!
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) October 23, 2018
Watching #RAW Damn, all the best @WWERomanReigns #Respect You've got a lot of people in your corner. ?
— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) October 23, 2018
Thank you Roman for showing us what a real warrior looks like. Sending many prayers to you and your family!! We’ll all be waiting for you to come back home to #RAW -B
— Nikki & Brie (@NikkiAndBrie) October 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/HeathSlaterOMRB/status/1054574134812917761
my heart goes out to @WWERomanReigns and his family. you are a fighter in every sense of the word. can’t wait to see you back in the ring #FCancer ??
— Cathy Kelley (@catherinekelley) October 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/TheMooseNation/status/1054565132448210945
.@WWERomanReigns The power of the Big Dog is in the heart. The hulkamaniacs, the #wweuniverse and I stand with you. We pray for you and we’ll all be waiting for you to hurry back in good health. Gods got you. Only Love HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) October 23, 2018
Nothing but love and respect for @WWERomanReigns
I’ve really enjoyed working together over the past year, I can’t wait till he’s back kicking ass where he belongs. Thoughts and prayers are with you ? ❤️— TJ Wilson (@TJWilson) October 23, 2018
— PRIME Alexander (@CedricAlexander) October 23, 2018
#ThankYouRoman
My aunt also had Leukemia. I hope you get better soon, Roman!! https://t.co/YVrrijai7N— Kairi Sane (@KAIRI_official) October 23, 2018
@WWERomanReigns’ success was something I aspired for myself since he was an all-conference DT at Georgia Tech over a decade ago. I think of how much he’s achieved but far more importantly, I think of his family & loved ones. All the love and strength in beating this, Big Uce.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) October 23, 2018
✊? THANK YOU ROMAN ✊?
All Respect and Prayers ??
The BIG DOG will be Back https://t.co/ZyXfmp24rq
— OTIS (DOZER) (@otiswwe) October 23, 2018
His real name is Joe & he’s a stand up guy! Inside the ring one of the best I’ve battled with. Outside the ring one of the most genuine people I have ever met & learned from. See you soon good brother #ThankYouRoman ( ..and he smells great)
— Finn Bálor (@FinnBalor) October 23, 2018
There is no doubt you are going to beat this again! Wishing you a speedy recovery champ! @WWERomanReigns #thankyouroman https://t.co/LvZ2Osdlji
— Roderick Strong (@roderickstrong) October 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/VickieGuerrero/status/1054552926926987269
Here is a statement from @GeorgiaTechFB released to me minutes ago in regards to former DL Joe Anoa’i (@WWERomanReigns) who announced tonight on @WWE that he’s battling Leukemia again. pic.twitter.com/jTG4UpVPAf
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) October 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/RAYMONDxROWE/status/1054552227526926337
He’s one of favorite opponents in the ring… and one of my favorite people outside of it. He’s got a big fight ahead of him…but we like fights. Good luck Uce! I’ve got your back… @ Roman https://t.co/5d0UMBxLUe
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) October 23, 2018
My thoughts & prayers go out to @WWERomanReigns & his family. Breaks my heart but praying & believing for a speedy & full recovery.
— CJ Perry (@TheCJPerry) October 23, 2018
#ThankYouRoman for being a huge source of inspiration and wishing you a speedy recovery.
— Kyle O'Reilly (@KORcombat) October 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/itsLioRush/status/1054600600590184453
.@WWERomanReigns YOU gave us the gift of your work ethic in NXT. You gave us the gift of your athleticism & determination in the ring. You gave us the gift of your knowledge in the locker room. But your comeback match will be the greatest gift of all. We are all looking fwd to it
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) October 23, 2018
I haven’t been able to stop thinking @WWERomanReigns and how strong and brave he was tonight on #Raw. Roman put EVERYTHING into perspective tonight and what a hero he is. THANKYOU Roman for being a leader and a fighter. We’ll see you back soon my friend. ? pic.twitter.com/LK0sstAHBj
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) October 23, 2018
