WWE Superstar Roman Reigns was recently interviewed by Sports Illustrated to talk about several professional wrestling topics. “The Big Dog” discussed some advice Vince McMahon gave him after his leukemia diagnosis, being a powerful new face in the fight against the disease, and working with The Rock on “Hobbs & Shaw.”
Here are the highlights:
Advice from Vince McMahon after his leukemia diagnosis:
Now that I’m back, I’m enjoying every moment,” said Reigns. “That goes back to what Vince McMahon told me. Vince said to me, ‘Be present. He said, ‘Be there with your family and friends, and absorb everything you can. Maximize all that you can.’
Being a powerful new face in the fight against the disease:
That’s a terrifying word,” said Reigns. “Just the sound of leukemia strikes fear in people’s hearts. But knowledge is power, and that’s the biggest difference now from my first diagnosis. I have the WWE to help spread more knowledge and awareness about leukemia.
The first time, I was only 22, it felt like a death sentence. This time around, it was nerve-wracking to let people know so much of my personal life, but the response and the support has given me a whole new perspective.
My character can be polarizing, but everyone has dropped their opinion on Roman Reigns and supported Joe during this rough patch. That’s been a key part of my comeback.
Working with The Rock on “Hobbs & Shaw“:
Creating with Dwayne, who is starring and producing the film, and going all-in with him felt good on so many levels,” said Reigns. “Hopefully everyone takes to it, enjoys it, and gets lost in it. DJ still lights up when we talk about my career and different bookings. There was a light in his eyes every time he was talking about my future.
