WWE superstar Roman Reigns (real name Joseph Anoa’i) shocked fans when he returned to the ring on Feb. 25, 2019. In October, Reigns announced he was stepping out of the ring and relinquishing his Universal Championship title to battle leukemia after 11 years in remission. “By no means is this a retirement speech,” Reigns said to fans before stepping down. “Because after I’m done whipping leukemia’s (butt) once again, I’m coming home.”
Reigns kept his word and surprised fans during Monday Night Raw. The crowd exploded when Reigns stepped out from behind the curtain and made his way to the ring, hugging and high-fiving fans along the way. “I’m so humbled and I’m so honored to announce I’m in remission. The Big Dog is back!” Reigns said as he spoke to an emotional audience. Reigns then embraced his wife and mother in front of the crowd, before being greeted by best friend and fellow Shield member Seth Rollins. The two team members hugged before they headed back stage.
Later in the night Reigns would emerge, with Rollins at his side, to save another member of The Shield, Dean Ambrose, from the brutal beat-down he was receiving from rivals Bobby Lashley, Baron Corbin, Drew McIntyre, and Elias.
At WWE’s PPV Fastlane, held on March 10, 2019, Roman Reigns made his return to in ring action. Along side his Shield brothers Rollins and Ambrose, The Shield took on Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre and Baron Corbin in the evening’s main even, that gave fans non-stop action from bell to bell. After the dust settled, The Shield came out victorious.
After his harrowing fight against leukemia, what’s next for Roman Reigns? Will he take back his rightful place as the Universal Champion? Fans will have to wait until the biggest WWE event of the year, WrestleMania, on Sunday, April 7, 2019, to see what action Reigns will take.
