Roman Reigns won’t be hitting anyone in WrestleMania 36 this weekend. The WWE Superstar made the wise choice to skip the event due to the coronavirus pandemic because his immune system could be compromised after two bouts with leukemia.
Reigns — real name Joe Anoai — came out swinging, though against the critics — “marks” — who looked to diminish his choice.
You already know what’s going on. It’s all over the news, the dirt sheets — whatever you want to call them — that I pulled out of WrestleMania. And it’s funny because, for years now, man — years — people were like, ‘Don’t show up to WrestleMania, we don’t want you in it.’ You know what I mean? There’s like a nice handful of dudes and haters that didn’t want me there, but the moment I make a choice for me and my family, I’m a coward, I’m a sissy, a lot of different things that I am now. But you don’t know the whole story. All you know is what you think. ‘Oh, well, his health and this and that.’ But you don’t know what else is going on in my life. You don’t know if I have newborns, you don’t know if I have family in my household — older family. So, yeah, just like the old saying, man. Go and flip that cover open and read a few pages, get into a few chapters before you really start running your mouth. And just take this time to better yourself, be present, and make the most out of this. Because if we can’t grow in a time like this, I don’t think we have a chance.
Reigns also apologized to the WWE Universe, or at least the fans it that appreciate the former Georgia Tech football star’s hard work and dedication.
For all my fans, I’m sorry I didn’t get to compete this year and put on a show and entertain, but sometimes things are more important and I had to make a choice for me and my family. But no matter what, you already know the deal, man. I showed up. I made the town, I made it to Orlando, and I had to make a decision for me. But it doesn’t take anything away from what I’ve done and what I’m going to do. I still love this game, I still love pro wrestling, sports entertainment. I love being in the ring, it’s a little weird being in the ring when nobody’s watching, nobody in the arena. But man, I’m ready to get back to work. And I’m just taking these times, this little bit of time we have, to build up the outside and come as close as possible to perfecting the inside.
Reigns was scheduled to face WWE Universal champion in a match at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. The coronavirus pandemic has led to WrestleMania 36 taking place April 4 and 5, with the event taped.