In a recent appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story podcast, Roman Reigns offered a candid look into his first battle with leukemia, revealing he initially couldn’t process the diagnosis. He explained that the news came while he was laser-focused on trying to make the Minnesota Vikings roster, causing him to compartmentalize the reality of his health.
The diagnosis came during a team physical that required extensive blood work. “My white blood cells were, I think they were like 70,000 at that point,” Reigns stated, contrasting it with the normal range of 4,000 to 11,000 for a healthy person. “My body was fighting something.”
Despite the alarming blood test results, Reigns admitted he didn’t feel physically ill, chalking up any fatigue to his lifestyle as a 300-pound football player. This disconnect led to what he described as “imposter syndrome,” as he struggled with people feeling sorry for him when his treatment only required medication rather than chemotherapy or radiation. “I’m, thank God I’m lucky enough to take a medication,” he said.
Reigns concluded that the constant forward momentum in his life prevented him from dwelling on the diagnosis, a focused mindset now aimed at his upcoming premium live event match.
He is scheduled to face Bronson Reed this Sunday, August 31, at Clash in Paris. The match marks a significant milestone, as it is Reigns’ first non-championship singles contest on a premium live event in 786 days, a statistic stemming from his historic 1,316-day world title reign.
The rivalry has seen Reed, a member of Seth Rollins’ faction The Vision, antagonize Reigns by dubbing himself “The Tribal Thief” and repeatedly stealing his sneakers. With The Vision’s history of interference, the potential for outside involvement in Paris is a major factor.
According to the latest odds, Reigns is the favorite to win the contest.