Roman Reigns’ rise to the top of WWE has not been short of ups and downs. The Tribal Chief was always viewed as the face of the company to succeed John Cena and take the company forward. He has represented WWE both as a babyface and, in his current run, as a heel. However, his battle with leukemia threatened to derail everything Reigns had built. Paul Heyman recently opened up about Roman Reigns’ battle with cancer.
The current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion was on the cusp of greatness when tragedy struck. Speaking on The Tetragrammaton podcast (via Wrestling INC), The Wise Man to The Tribal Chief stated that the disease gave him a better appreciation of life and taught him how to face adversity with a smile on his face. Roman Reigns is not to be deterred by setbacks, and according to Heyman, Reigns is a blessed man.
“I’m sure it gave him a greater appreciation of life. I’m sure it gave him a greater appreciation of one’s own mortality,” Heyman said. “I’m sure it gave him a greater appreciation of the blessings that he has over and above what many other people have … Roman Reigns had an affliction. His children, thank god, as of now, don’t share that affliction. His children are healthy. What a blessed man. His mom is still alive, and what a character she is. He’s a blessed man. His father is still alive and a legend. What a blessed man.”
Roman Reigns first faced leukemia during his football days when he was a part of the NFL team Minnesota Vikings. In 2018, while he was the Universal Champion, Reigns was diagnosed with the disease once again as he got ready to defend his title at Crown Jewel. Not only did not relinquish the title, but he also went on an indefinite hiatus to cure himself. Roman Reigns marked his return in 2019 and has since been free of the disease.
Roman Reigns will look to get an answer out of Jey Uso on SmackDown
Following his return from leukemia and a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, Reigns embarked on a journey to the dark side, where he became The Tribal Chief and created the heel stable The Bloodline. This group includes The Usos, Solo Sikoa, who was added last year, and Paul Heyman, the Special Counsel.
Despite going strong for years, it seems that the fate of the stable could be in the hands of Jey Uso. Growing tired of his dominance, Jimmy Uso decided to turn on Roman Reigns and superkicked him at the Night of Champions.
Jimmy Uso, in coming to the aid of his brother, inadvertently cost Jey Uso the United States Championship.
As Jey walks away, Jimmy is left distraught as Paul Heyman looks on smiling behind Solo Sikoa.
The family drama continues. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/MIk75cuvTm
— Just Alyx (@JustAlyxCentral) June 10, 2023
He later expressed his desire to work alongside Reigns instead of under him, but The Tribal Chief declined the proposition, thereby kicking him out of the group. The decision now lies with Jey Uso, who can either side with his brother or remain in the group.
To entice him into staying in the group, Roman Reigns offered him the position of The Tribal Chief in his absence. Reigns also arranged a United States Title match against Austin Theory, however, Jey ended up losing. Roman Reigns will be present on the upcoming episode of SmackDown, and it remains to be seen whether Jey can finally end up with a decision.