7 Things We Learned From WWE Chronicle: Roman Reigns
6. He Felt Free After Unburdening His News
When Reigns first learned of the return of his leukaemia, he understandably entered a state of denial. Having beaten the illness once, how could it be that it had struck once again, and just as he'd finally reached his career apex? The Floridan recounted that his first thought was not personal but professional, totally frustrated that he'd have to give up the "biggest championship that [WWE] have".
When our brains enter a state of denial, it's generally to help protect us from facing up to the difficulties of a situation. Once Reigns came to terms with his fresh diagnosis, it suddenly became a huge albatross for him to haul around his not inconsiderable neck.
After deliberating for weeks whether "the world would take to the news properly", Roman finally decided it was time to make his emotional announcement on the 22 October episode of Raw. He admitted that he'd felt insecure about drawing attention to his own suffering given superficially, he was the picture of health.
Once he realised he could be a "beacon of light" for those in a similar situation, his mind was made up. After the announcement, a huge sense of relief washed over Reigns: "Once I got it off my chest, I felt free."