The Big Dog is back: Roman Reigns announces WWE return after leukemia battle

Brian Fritz

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The Big Dog is back: Roman Reigns announces WWE return after leukemia battle image

The Big Dog is back.

Roman Reigns (real name Joe Anoa’i) announced on WWE “Monday Night Raw” that he is in remission from his battle with leukemia and is returning to WWE.

Reigns appeared on the show for the first time since Oct. 22. That night, he revealed that he was diagnosed with leukemia, would be relinquishing the Universal Championship and taking a leave from the company to fight the disease.

An emotional Reigns shook hands with fans as he came to the ring while also hugging family members at ringside including his wife and mother. Fans chanted “welcome back!” as he slowly stepped in the ring and soaked in the moment

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“I’m probably going to say this a lot but I’m going to start out by saying thank you,” said Reigns. “I’m missed y’all. There is no other job like this. There’s no other fan base like you guys.

“I used to say this was my yard but this is our yard.”

Reigns stated that he was terrified four months ago when he announced his diagnosis.

“I wasn’t sure if I wanted to share that secret with the world,” admitted Reigns. “I was scared to tell everybody because I didn’t know how you’d react. The amount of thoughts, the amount of blessings you gave me was overwhelming. It wasn’t just WWE fans, it was everyone.

“The strength that you gave me … I can do anything with that kind of strength and love. And that overwhelming support you gave me strength, it gave me new life and it gave me new purpose.”

While Reigns — a four time WWE world champion — announced that was back, he did not give any specifics when he would return to the ring. That could be at WrestleMania 35 taking place on Sunday, April 7 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Reigns said that while championships are important, he was going to use the power of the WWE to help those battling cancer.

“I’m going to use this platform – this WWE platform, to raise awareness and to support those who are in need like I was,” said Reigns.

After this announcement, Reigns was met on the ramp by his friend Seth Rollins with the two members of The Shield embracing.

He will also be appearing on “Good Morning America” on Tuesday where he is expected to give more details about overcoming the disease and possibly when he will be returning to WWE action.

Brian Fritz

Brian Fritz Photo

Brian Fritz is a contributor with The Sporting News covering the NBA and NFL who previously worked at BasketballNews. He is a 20-year veteran of sports talk radio in Orlando, Florida, after graduating from the University of Central Florida. He now resides in Durham, North Carolina.