Roman Reigns continues to open up.
Reigns stepped away from WWE on Oct. 22 to get treatment for his leukemia, which returned after being in remission for over a decade. The announcement shocked fans as there had been no hint of Roman struggling with the disease and he had never commented on being diagnosed with the disease in the past.
Speaking to the LA Times, Reigns discussed a weight being lifted off his shoulders following the announcement.
“I was overwhelmed. I felt just so reassured that I wasn’t alone," said Reigns. "When you are holding a secret for so long you feel like you are trapped on an island with nobody to connect to, with nobody to kind of take that weight off your shoulders. But to receive that type of support, that type of positive reinforcement. I was overwhelmed. It felt really good.”
While the vast majority of the audience lent their support to Reigns, a vocal minority questioned the validity of his leukemia and treatment. Reigns worried his daughter would hear those opinions and question what her father was going through.
“I’ve been with my wife since college, so she has been through this whole process with me. My big concern was my daughter, who is 11. So she’s right at that age where she’s hearing all those misguided opinions and hearing different things from different people. I thought that as long as she hears it from me, ‘This is what is going on with Dad, and I don’t want you to worry,’ that she would be OK. And she’s been great."
Since his return to WWE on Feb. 25, Reigns has preached positivity and wanting to help others who might be struggling with leukemia or any other disease in their life.
“If anyone is struggling, I hope they can look at me and know that I am no different than them," said Reigns. "I hope they can look at me and see that light. ‘If he can do it, I can do it.’ And that after they get through this rough patch, that there is a beautiful light that surrounds you and helps you appreciate life and those around you so much more. That they aren’t alone and that many of us know what they are going through. Take strength from me, take strength from your friends and family.”
Reigns competed in his first match since October this past Sunday at WWE Fastlane, teaming with Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose to defeat Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley, & Baron Corbin.
