10 Most Heart-Breaking WWE Moments Of The 2010s

Sometimes in professional wrestling, a moment happens when fans forget who they like and don't like in the world of kayfabe and come together over a performer's real life circumstances. This was one of those moments.

On 22 October 2018, the Universal Champion came to the ring in his regular clothes and told fans that he wasn't Roman Reigns tonight, he was Joe Anoa'i and he had something to say.

Reigns revealed that he had been diagnosed with leukaemia for the second time in his life. Fans were shocked and confused, as Reigns' first diagnosis was not common knowledge at the time.

Reigns then laid down the title belt in the ring and walked away, with fans unsure if he would ever step back in a wrestling ring again. It was a very humbling moment for the audience who had always been divided over Roman's character, as it hit home that behind the persona they hated was a real man dealing with real issues.

Thankfully, Reigns managed to beat the cancer into remission and has since returned to action, but, for a very scary few months, Reigns' entire future hung in the balance.

Reigns has already made history in the world of WWE, but this moment will be one that defines his legacy forever, fortunately for the right reasons.