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Where do you start with Roman Reigns? He's undoubtedly one of the most polarizing men wrestling has ever seen, if not THE most - but one thing is for sure, the entire WWE Universe was united last night in heartbreak when Reigns revealed he'd be having to step away from WWE to battle Leukemia.
Love him or hate him, though, there's barely ever any bad words about Joe Anoaʻi the man. While some wrestling fans absolutely despise Roman Reigns as a character, there's never a bad word said about the man under the seemingly bulletproof vest.
Why? Well, because while Roman Reigns portrays nothing short of a superhero on television, Joe Anoa'i is a real-life hero.
Roman Reigns may take some heat from the crowd, but Joseph Anoa'i is a man we're all rooting for now in his personal battle, and there are several reasons for that.
I'm running down the five reasons why Roman Reigns is a real-life superhero, not just someone who portrays one on television.
#5 He's a real workhorse
Well, this might be something most people take for granted - but Roman Reigns was always there.
While we may not see The Big Dog for a little while now, the same can't be said for the past four years and change. There was barely a spell when Reigns wasn't on television and, more amazingly, he always made the towns, too.
Aside from a stint dealing with an illness last year that saw The Shield have special guests in Triple H and Kurt Angle, Reigns was rarely ever injured or ill, and was always wrestling lengthy matches, whether it be on television or on tour.
While Roman Reigns made a point of saying he always turns up in his rivalry with Brock Lesnar, it most definitely wasn't just a line. If you went to a RAW or WWE live event pretty much any time since Reigns' solo run started, there's much more chance you'll have seen him than not.
Roman Reigns really is Mr No Days Off.
#4 He's a family man
Now, taking the last point into consideration, everyone will understand this struggle - but not quite to the extent of a touring WWE Superstar.
Roman Reigns is a huge family man, he's very open about doing everything for his daughter and even has a turtle tattooed on his arm, camouflaged by that monumental sleeve, in honour of her.
JoJo, real name Joella Anoa'i, is Reigns' daughter with his longtime girlfriend, now wife, Galina Joelle Becker. The couple married in 2014 and JoJo is now approaching ten years old. Reigns also has two twin sons, born in 2016.
Whether it be in WWE with his cousins, the Usos, referring to his Shield mates as brothers, or spending time at home, the family is hugely important to Roman Reigns - and his role as a father is one we can all admire.
#3 He overcame all the odds
Well, Roman Reigns alluded to it last night during his promo on RAW, but it hasn't always been an easy ride for The Big Dog. Reigns was a very promising prospect in the world of football, winning several individual accolades while in college.
In the 2007 NFL draft, though, Reigns would go undrafted and be handed a lifeline by the Minnesota Vikings, only to be released in the same month. Reigns would then sign for the Jacksonville Jaguars and suffer the same fate, being released one month before the NFL season.
Even after signing with the Edmonton Eskimos in the CFL, Reigns played one season, featuring in five games and starting three, before being released and retiring from the sport.
If we consider the fact that wrestling only became an option for Roman Reigns in 2018 after being forced to retire from the sport he looked destined to succeed in, before being "dumped" from it in his own words - looking at where Reigns got to in WWE, it really is a real-life underdog story that was channeled every time the Big Dog stepped in the ring.
In WWE, nothing portrays the idea of never quitting and fighting against all odds like Reigns' battles with Brock Lesnar that eventually came to fruition when The Big Dog won the Universal Championship after suffering several brutal losses to the former UFC star over the past two years.
#2 He gives back
Now, considering Reigns is on the road the best part of 300 days a year and obviously spends the rest of his time with his family, he'd be forgiven for not being the most forthcoming Superstar with the fans - but he's entirely the opposite.
Aside from John Cena, who holds a groundbreaking record with the organisation, Roman Reigns is WWE's most prolific ambassador when it comes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Roman Reigns ALWAYS finds time for his fans, and particularly those who may be fighting their own personal battles.
The Big Dog is a true inspiration when it comes to philanthropy and no-one could possibly argue that Roman Reigns doesn't make time for the people in the crowd who look up to him for inspiration.
Much like John Cena, while Reigns is polarizing in the ring, it's impossible to dislike a man who does so much for so many people who may just need that little big of help in their fight - and he definitely delivers.
#1 He's now fighting a very real battle
Well, sadly, Roman Reigns may now have more in common with some of the fans he meets, as he, too, faces a very real battle of his own.
Roman Reigns opened this week's episode of Monday Night Raw to address recent rumours that he may be injured, hence why he missed this weekend's live shows - a rare occurrence for The Big Dog.
Instead, Reigns shocked the world with an even more heartbreaking announcement no-one saw coming. The Universal Champion apologised to the WWE Universe for not being the fighting champion he promised to be - breaking character to reveal his identity as Joe and confirming he has been fighting Leukemia for 11 years and had to step away from the ring to continue battling the condition.
While it's heartbreaking, Reigns has received an incredible outpouring of support from wrestlers and fans alike, with everyone noting just how tough he is.
Reigns' battle with Leukemia is one fight where the entire world is behind him, and it's one many of his fans can identify with. With Roman Reigns fighting to overcome Leukemia for the second time, there's no doubt he's a true hero and inspiration, and we wish him nothing but great health in his fight.
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