BREAKING: Devastating News - Roman Reigns Diagnosed With Leukemia, Relinquishes Universal Championship

BREAKING:

Roman Reigns opened WWE RAW tonight with a shocking announcement that shook the wrestling world to its core.

Joe Anoai, the man behind the Roman Reigns character, has battled leukemia for eleven years. Reigns made the shocking announcement tonight on RAW that the disease, which had been in remission, had now returned:

.@WWERomanReigns has to relinquish the Universal Championship due to a battle with leukemia. #Raw pic.twitter.com/EhomllNwjK

— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018

A visibly emotional Reigns then proceeded to relinquish his Universal Championship & asked for prayers, not sympathy. He then credited the WWE for giving him a chance when football was done for him.

.@WWERomanReigns has officially relinquished the Universal Championship on #RAW. pic.twitter.com/Dov281qW94

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 23, 2018

Reigns was then joined by a tearful Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose as the SHIELD touched fists in unity and support:

There's no brotherhood greater.#Raw @WWERomanReigns @TheDeanAmbrose @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/QHFemFd9A5

— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018

Our prayers are with Anoai, his friends, his family, and his fans.

UPDATE: 

WWE has released full footage of Roman Reigns' appearance tonight. Video appears below: