Roman Reigns: Leukemia Battle, WrestleMania Win & Net Worth

Anyone who has followed WWE over the last decade knows the story of Roman Reigns—a powerhouse who stepped away from the ring at the peak of his career. What few could have predicted is that his toughest opponent wasn’t a rival wrestler, but a recurring health battle that forced him to publicly confront his own mortality. This article unpacks Reigns’ leukemia journey, his recent return to the squared circle, and the financial comparisons that have made headlines alongside his comeback.

Full Name: Leati Joseph Anoa’i · Date of Birth: May 25, 1985 · Height: 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) · Weight: 265 lb (120 kg) · WWE Debut: 2010 · World Championships: 5

Eight key facts, one pattern: Reigns’ career has been punctuated by health setbacks that pause his momentum, yet each time he returns with greater prominence.

What has happened to Roman Reigns?

Current WWE status

• Reigns has been active with WWE since his 2019 return from leukemia remission (Moffitt Cancer Center (oncology research)).
• He continues to perform as the Tribal Chief on SmackDown, though no specific long-term contract details are public (Wikipedia).

The implication: every match Reigns wrestles carries a significance beyond entertainment—his presence on the roster is a direct result of a successful health outcome.

Retirement rumors

• In a 2025 interview, Reigns reportedly said he is “not going to be wrestling forever” (ESPN).
• No official retirement announcement has been made.

WrestleMania 42 — unconfirmed reports

• Some social media posts claim Reigns faced CM Punk in the main event of WrestleMania 42, but no official match card or result has been verified (Instagram (fan report, unverified)).

Which disease is Roman Reigns suffering from?

Leukemia – type and timeline

• Reigns was first diagnosed with leukemia at age 22, according to Moffitt Cancer Center (oncology research).
• The specific subtype (acute or chronic) has not been publicly detailed.
• He relapsed in 2018, announcing the news live on WWE Raw (ESPN (sports journalism)).

Remission and awareness work

• He announced remission in 2019 and returned to WWE shortly after (Moffitt Cancer Center).
• Reigns has partnered with organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to promote blood cancer awareness (Sager Strong Foundation (patient advocacy)).

Did Roman Reigns win at WrestleMania?

Who he faced – unverified reports

• According to low-confidence social media posts, Reigns reportedly defeated CM Punk in the main event of WrestleMania 42 (Instagram (fan report, unverified)).
• WWE has not published an official match result or video clip confirming this claim.

The pattern: until WWE officially confirms the card, any claim about a WrestleMania 42 victory remains in the rumor column.

Who is richer, Roman Reigns or John Cena?

The financial gap reveals two different career trajectories: one built on in-ring dominance, the other on Hollywood crossover.

What happened with Roman Reigns’ teeth?

Cosmetic dentistry

• Before-and-after photos widely shared online show a dramatic change in Reigns’ smile, with brighter, straighter teeth that suggest veneers or implants (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia)).
• No official statement from Reigns or his dentist confirms the procedure.

Timeline

2008

First leukemia diagnosis (in remission) (Moffitt Cancer Center)

2010

WWE debut as part of The Nexus (Wikipedia)

2015

Won WWE World Heavyweight Championship for first time (Wikipedia)

2018

Leukemia relapse, takes hiatus (ESPN)

2019

Announces leukemia in remission, returns to WWE (Moffitt Cancer Center)

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

• Diagnosed with leukemia in 2008 and again in 2018 (ESPN)
• Currently in remission (Moffitt Cancer Center)
• Teeth have undergone cosmetic enhancement (widely observed, no source)
• Net worth estimated at $20 million (Times of India)
• Married to Galina Becker since 2014 (Wikipedia)

What’s unclear

• Exact net worth not verified by certified financial statement
• Retirement date not announced
• Long-term health prognosis remains private
• WrestleMania 42 match result unconfirmed by WWE

Quotes that matter

I’m not going to lie, it’s a tough pill to swallow. But I’m going to beat this. — Roman Reigns, speaking on WWE Raw in October 2018 (ESPN)

After his leukemia was in remission in 2019, Reigns returned to WWE, showing strength that inspires many cancer patients. — Moffitt Cancer Center profile (Moffitt Cancer Center)

I’m not going to be wrestling forever. — Roman Reigns, 2025 interview (ESPN)

Summary

Roman Reigns has navigated a career path few wrestlers ever face: back-to-back health crises that could have ended his time in the ring. Yet he returned, reclaimed his role as Tribal Chief, and continues to draw millions of eyes to every match. The pattern: Reigns has turned every health setback into a platform for a stronger comeback, but the clock is ticking. For WWE, a post-Reigns main event scene is a puzzle with no obvious answer yet.

Frequently asked questions