Roman Reigns Thanks Fans for Support After Leukemia Announcement on WWE Raw

Mike Chiari @mikechiariFeatured ColumnistOctober 23, 2018

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA - JUNE 06: Roman Reigns attends WWE's First-Ever Emmy 'For Your Consideration' Event at Saban Media Center on June 6, 2018 in North Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

WWE Superstar Roman Reigns issued a public statement Tuesday after announcing on Monday's episode of Raw that he's been diagnosed with leukemia.

Reigns thanked those who have supported him since the announcement in the following tweet:

Roman Reigns @WWERomanReigns
Thank you to everyone who’s reached out...I can’t put into words what it means to me. Your energy and positivity motivate me to get better quickly to get back in the ring, but for now I’m going to spend time with my family and focus on health. Thank you - Joe/Roman

An emotional Reigns relinquished the Universal Championship on Raw after revealing he had originally been diagnosed with leukemia 11 years ago, adding that it had recently returned:

WWE.com noted his leukemia had been in remission since 2008.

Reigns made it clear he wasn't retiring and fully intends to return to the ring as soon as possible.

Following his heartfelt speech, he was joined at the top of the ramp by Shield brothers Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. The three men shared an embrace in front of the approving crowd.

While Reigns is receiving treatment, the new Universal champion will be determined at Crown Jewel on November 2 when Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar do battle for the vacant title.