Former WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns made an appearance on ESPN’s First Take program on Tuesday to talk his return to WWE from battling leukemia and more.
When asked about what he learned the most about himself and life during his second battle with leukemia, Reigns brought up how it’s OK to lean on people and to accept their support while dealing with the illness.
Reigns brought up how he felt he was on an island and very insecure due to him being a public figure and not wanting people to think that this is trying to benefit his performance and career.
“I wanted people to respect me for the work that I put in and the performer that I am. Sometimes life throws a wrench at you. It’s not exactly how you plan. It put me at a crossroads to where I had to figure out if I wanted to continue to keep this secret of mine or if I was able to tell my story and be able to connect with those who might be able to lean on it and use it as an inspiration.”
Moving along, Reigns then talked about how he dealt with this battle in private and putting on a positive face while in the public eye. The WWE star brought up learning how to compartmentalize stuff and different emotions. He takes pride in still being able to live his life while battling leukemia. He wants people to respect the work and time that he put into his craft.
“I put everything into sports entertainment and learning how to lead this life. As I said before, sometimes things just happen unexpectedly and not the way you plan. You just kinda have to adjust. It was one of the better things I’ve done with my life. It gave me new purpose.”
Reigns continued by stating that he’s still able to do what he loves to do and compete in the ring. He has a deep passion for storytelling, and that gave him a different purpose on the people he connects with. He added that the outreach and platform that they have gives him the chance to help people by sharing his story.
H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcription