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Cancer is one of the most dreadful diseases that are out there, engulfing the happiness of hundreds of families every year. In humanity’s battle against the horrors of this C-word, some prevail while some are forced to succumb. But they all one thing in common – they fight back like a champion.
Over the years, WWE have constantly advocated awareness about the disease. From supporting humble causes that help children suffering from pediatric cancer to recognizing those who battled against breast cancer, WWE help a lot of cancer patients via charity.
In the long history of this company, there have been several WWE Superstars who suffered from cancer. These men and women never backed down from fighting against one of the most difficult opponents of their lives and ultimately, emerged as heroes.
Today we take a look at ten such WWE Superstars who inspired thousands of fans with their spirit in the face of a monster.
#10. Bret Hart
WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart has battled some of the biggest Superstars during his time with the company. But his toughest battle was against cancer.
Back in 2016, the retired Canadian Superstar was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Although his doctors found an irregularly high level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) almost three years ago, no one suspected danger until late-2015.
In January 2016, Hart took to Facebook to announce that he is battling against cancer. He never felt any of the symptoms previously and once the disease was diagnosed, he had moments of doubts about his future.
“I never felt anything. I had no symptoms at all. It was a mystery to me that there was anything wrong. ‘Devastating’ is a good word for how I felt when I received the diagnosis. I was terrified about what the future might hold. It was a hard thing to accept.”
But one of the Greatest of All Time was nowhere near giving up. He underwent successful surgery in March 2016. Luckily, the cancer cells were removed before they spread to other parts of his body. Following that, Hart was under a strict physical examination for the next three months after which he was declared cancer-free.
#9. Jake Roberts
Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts went into the battle against cancer with his head held high. And might I say, he managed to scare off one of the deadliest diseases in the world.
Roberts was diagnosed with muscular cancer back in 2014. He was affected right below his knee. As a result, he too had to undergo surgery for the successful removal of cancerous cells.
It was during this time when he said his infamous line, “If the devil can't defeat me, cancer doesn't stand a chance in hell! Pray for sick children who face this horrible disease 'cause The Snake will be just fine."
Jake Roberts had to undergo multiple surgeries in the months that followed. Finally, in July 2014, he announced that he has defeated cancer.
He was inducted in WWE Hall of Fame in April 2014. Roberts’ attitude towards cancer and his unbreakable spirit at the face of a storm continues to inspire millions around the world.
#8. Jason Knight
Former WWE (then known as WWF) Superstar Jason Knight feuded with the likes of Ric Flair, Lex Luger and The Nasty Boys in the early 90s.
He then moved to Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) where he went on to become ECW World Television Champions one time. Following his retirement, Knight continued to work as a wrestling promoter and manager.
It was in 2015 when Knight took to his Facebook page to announce that he has been diagnosed with throat cancer. Unfortunately for him, it was in the advanced stage.
“This is the real battle”, said Knight in his emotional post.
Jason was prepared for his fight against cancer and received overwhelming support from the entire wrestling community. Many of his peers reached out to him in this hour of need and supported him throughout the battle.
Knight finally managed to emerge victorious in the most dreadful fight of his life.
#7. Jim Duggan
Jim Duggan, aka Hacksaw, first worked in WWE between 1984 and 1993. During this time, he became the first-ever winner of Royal Rumble and feuded with the likes of “Macho Man" Randy Savage and Shawn Michaels.
In 1994, he went to WCW where he became the United States Heavyweight Champion. Four years later, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer and he vanished from the TV.
He took a long haul from his work and focused on the treatment. Aiming at his comeback after recovery, Duggan left no stone unturned in winning his battle against cancer. Luckily for Hacksaw, the disease was detected in the early stages. Hence, he didn’t need chemotherapy and overcame cancer with the help of a successful surgery.
Post recovery, Duggan made a comeback in WWE and enjoyed a good career before hanging his boots.
Last year Duggan was hospitalized after his heart went into atrial fibrillation. He was successfully treated and was cleared to leave ICU soon after that.
#6. Michelle McCool
Former WWE Women’s Champion Michelle McCool is one of the strongest female Superstars to have graced the squared circle. After a decorated career with the company, McCool sought retirement from in-ring action back in 2011.
It was in 2016 when Michelle announced via Instagram that she is suffering from skin cancer. She revealed that she had gone for a routine check-up and removal of moles from her skin when the doctors found out that one of them is cancerous.
McCool underwent several treatments in the following months and was successful in beating skin cancer after a few months. It was also during this time when her husband, The Undertaker, was scheduled to return for WrestleMania.
She received a lot of support from him and the entire WWE Universe who wished for her speedy recovery. McCool beat cancer like a champion that she is and despite other physical complications, she never allowed anything to compromise with her spirits.
#5. Roddy Piper
WWE Legend ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper is an inspiration to almost everyone who is familiar with pro-wrestling. He was one of the greatest performers to ever step inside the squared circle.
In 2006, the entire world came to know that he is battling against low-grade 2A lymphoma. Roddy underwent rigorous treatment over the course of the next few weeks that included twenty sessions – radiations and chemotherapy.
Three years later, in an interview with Milford Daily, he went on to talk about his treatment and recovery from cancer.
He was quoted saying,
“I beat it three years ago. In two more years, if it doesn't come back, I'm out of the woods. I'm strong right now. I'm in shape. In the morning I'm juicing two apples, two carrots, two celery, two beets, two ginger. I'm drinking that every morning to try to keep the cancer away. I've got a lot on my shoulders, but I've got the most beautiful family in the world.”
In 2016, ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Pier passed away in his sleep as a result of cardiopulmonary arrest, leaving an incredible legacy behind.
#4. Roman Reigns
One of the biggest WWE Superstars today, Roman Reigns is the next name on our list. He was first diagnosed with cancer in May 2007 and successfully conquered it. However, the disease came back to haunt him more than a decade later in 2018.
Almost a year ago, Roman Reigns opened Monday Night RAW with one dreadful news.
“My real name is Joe and I’ve been living with Leukemia for 11 years and unfortunately it is back”, said the Big Dog.
This news took the entire WWE Universe by storm and fans started pouring their support for the newly crowned Universal Champion. During the same announcement, Reigns also declared that he had to relinquish his title as he geared up for the toughest battle of his life.
Reigns then went on to beat cancer and came back to WWE in February 2019, stronger than ever.
#3. Sunny
A name that you mostly find amidst controversies - Sunny, is also included in this list. The WWE Hall of Famer was diagnosed with cervical cancer back in 2013.
She took to Facebook to share the news with the world in an emotional post that read:
“I’ve been sad, depressed, angry, confused, bitter, in denial, upset since Monday when I got the bad news from my oncologist … But this morning, I thought to myself, I’m the toughest, strongest, most resilient bitch I know (I blame that on being a Russian and a sagittarius) so I’m gonna do what I do best when something stands I’m my way…. I’m gonna beat the shit out of then choke out Cancer once and for all! And if ANYONE OR ANYTHING tries to stand in my way, I’ll take you out right along with it! Just try me, biatch! You have NO IDEA who you’re dealing with!! I WILL SURVIVE!!!”
Sunny had to undergo hysterectomy while she was in prison which helped her prevail in her battle against cancer. Three years later, she opened up about her fight against the disease amongst other aspects of her life in her autobiography, “A Star Shattered: The Rise & Fall & Rise of Wrestling Diva Tammy "Sunny" Sytch”.
#2. Zach Gowen
Zach Gowen created a legacy for himself when the one-legged Superstar stepped inside the squared circle for matches, week after week. During his WWE career, Gowen feuded with the likes of Vince McMahon and even made his boss bleed.
He may not be as famous as many others on this list but those who know about Gowen, are aware that he is an inspiration to one and all.
Gowen was diagnosed with cancer when he was a child. At the age of 8, he had little understanding of what stood in front of him. But he also had the heart of a lion.
His left leg was severely affected by the cancerous cell which could only be treated with amputation of the limb.
Despite losing one of his legs at such a young age, Gowen went on to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. In an interview with Bleacher Report, he said.
“For those three hours, I didn't feel any pain at all. I didn't feel the pain of missing my leg. I didn't feel the pain of cancer, of chemotherapy, of looking different, of not fitting in, of being sick. All of that went away when I engaged in the magic of professional wrestling.”
#1. Zack Ryder
Former Intercontinental Champion, Zack Ryder is yet another WWE star who battled and overcame cancer at a young age.
Ryder was diagnosed with a tumor in his feet when he was in high school. The doctors then found out that the tumor had spread to his lungs and declared that he was suffering from cancer. But he was not yet ready to give up his hopes. Ryder had to miss one year in high school while he underwent treatment.
His struggle with cancer was revealed during an interview with Michael Cole which was published on the official WWE website.
“Not many people know this, and I just never wanted it to be my story and the reason I'm here, but when I was in high school, I had cancer. I had a tumor in my foot - spread to both my lungs. Surgeries, chemotherapy, all that. It sucked, it did.”
“But the thing that kept me going and that I had to beat it was to get here. Because, as I said, it's my destiny.”
