Roman Reigns Reflects on Paul Heyman’s Impact on His Personal Life While Taking a Playful Dig

We named him the Wiseman for a reason, and if you have him around long enough, it’s hard not to pick up a lot of diamonds and gems. He drops them left and right, and a lot of times there are intentions behind them, but I think it’s just who is he doesn’t realize he’s doing it, but I hate his guts.

Roman Reigns via What’s Your Story podcast

As for Reigns’ current on-screen rivalry, he’s gearing up for a one-on-one showdown with Bronson Reed at Clash in Paris, a feud that has gained surprising momentum in recent weeks. Adding fuel to the fire, Reed has been taunting Reigns by stealing his sneakers and even dubbing himself the ‘Tribal Thief.’ All eyes will be on the French capital to see how The OTC responds and whether Reigns can put an end to Reed’s antics once and for all.

Roman Reigns recalls the time he was diagnosed with Leukemia for the first time

In 2018, Roman Reigns finally conquered Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, capturing the WWE Universal Championship for the first time and ending Lesnar’s 504-day reign of dominance. But Reigns’ time with the title was short-lived. Just months later, his battle with leukemia resurfaced, forcing him to relinquish the championship on the October 22 episode of Raw in an emotional moment that drew heartfelt applause from fans.

What many didn’t know at the time was that Reigns’ first battle with leukemia began years earlier, when he was just 22 and chasing his dream of playing in the NFL. In the same appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast, Reigns opened up about that first diagnosis, admitting he struggled to process the news. 

He recalled how it came while he was laser-focused on trying to make the Minnesota Vikings roster, which led him to compartmentalize what was happening. The diagnosis came during a routine team physical that required extensive bloodwork. 

My white blood cells were, I think they were like 70,000 at that point. My body was fighting something.

Roman Reigns via What’s Your Story podcast

Despite the alarming results, he didn’t feel physically sick and attributed his fatigue to the toll of being a 300-pound football player. This disconnect led to what he described as “imposter syndrome,” especially as others expressed sympathy while his treatment only required medication, not chemotherapy or radiation. 

I’m, thank God I’m lucky enough to take a medication.

Roman Reigns via What’s Your Story podcast

Reigns reflected that his drive to keep moving forward stopped him from dwelling on the diagnosis. That same focused mindset, he added, is now fueling him as he prepares for his upcoming premium live event match against Reed in the French capital.