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WWE star Roman Reigns says his leukemia is in remission and he’ll be returning to the ring.
Reigns, whose real name is Leati Joseph Anoai, was only 22 when he was first diagnosed with leukemia.
The former WWE Universal Champion relinquished the belt in October after disclosing that the disease had returned and that he was taking a hiatus to fight it.
READ MORE: WWE star Roman Reigns reveals he’s battling leukemia
“The good news is, I’m in remission, y’all,” he told the crowd during an emotional speech at a WWE Raw event in Atlanta on Friday. “So with that being said — the Big Dog is back.”
The former football player thanked fans for their support and admitted that he struggled with his decision to announce his cancer diagnosis.
“I’m not going to lie — before my announcement in October I was terrified. I was scared. I was insecure. And I didn’t really know if I wanted to share that secret with the world,” he told the cheering crowd.
“That overwhelming support that you gave me, it gave me strength, it gave me new life. It gave me a new opportunity and it gave me a new purpose,” he added.
“There is no other job like this,” he said. “There’s no other fanbase like you guys.”
READ MORE: WWE star Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhart dead at 63
Reigns thanked his family for their support in a video posted to his Instagram account.
The 33-year-old wrestler told Good Morning America that the struggle this time around was less difficult thanks to his fans.
He said it was amazing to be back in the ring and “this journey is not complete until I get to step foot back into that ring and I get to address my fans.”
.@ABC NEWS EXCLUSIVE: @WWE superstar @WWERomanReigns talks with @RobinRoberts about his leukemia battle and support from fans, “We’re striving to be role models.” https://t.co/LUKfafEEKb pic.twitter.com/GUkrGQZwmu
— Good Morning America (@GMA) February 26, 2019
Thank you to @RobinRoberts and everyone from @GMA. Thank you for the support and the platform to raise awareness for leukemia research. Now, it’s time to get ready to go back to work!! 🤙🏽@WWE
— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) February 26, 2019
The Big Dog is back! @WWE superstar @WWERomanReigns is here LIVE this morn @GMA. Last October he announced his leukemia had returned…thankfully he’s now in remission. He’s here to talk about that and how he’s making his way to the silver screen.
— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) February 26, 2019
Many WWE stars and fans celebrated Reigns’ announcement.
So happy for @WWERomanReigns … #classact https://t.co/q8IvSNKF7a
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) February 26, 2019
WELCOME BACK THE BIG DOG ROMAN REIGNS 🤙🤙 🤙🤙 🤙🤙 🤙😘😘 pic.twitter.com/AGRtGRFPev
— Zeeshan Rahman (@zeeshanreigns1) February 26, 2019
Last night on #RAW @WWERomanReigns announced his leukemia is in remission! He was filled with gratitude for everyone who sent him Love and Support, and vowed to use his platform to help others. The #BigDog certainly has a Big Heart. #Inspiration #BelieveInTheFight https://t.co/3rRVfvvMQM
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) February 26, 2019
Real superheroes exist. Back and with strength and purpose! It’s your yard Roman. Your time is most certainly NOW! https://t.co/jEBDtQm39W
— John Cena (@JohnCena) February 26, 2019
—With files from the Associated Press
© 2019 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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