5 WWE Superstars who fought and beat cancer

Cancer.

It's a scary thing and something that will, unfortunately, affect everyone.

Even if you're not been diagnosed with the disease yourself, you'll probably know someone who is.

And though WWE Superstars are often showcased to be the toughest men and women around, even they aren't immune from cancer.

And though some Superstars have sadly fallen to the big C, there have been those able to beat it.

These WWE Superstars were able to fight the deadly disease, and through a mix of medical work and sheer grit, were able to overcome.

Here are five WWE Superstars who fought, and were able to beat the big C.

#5 Zack Ryder

Ryder revealed his childhood diagnosis after winning the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 32 in 2016.

One half of the reigning RAW Tag Team Champions, Zack Ryder's road to the gold has been a long one.

For years, Ryder was seen as nothing more than a jobber, and though he would get the occasional push, these wouldn't last long.

But back in high school, Ryder faced off against a foe worse than the Revival or Kane, when he was diagnosed with cancer.

After a tumour was found in his foot, more tumours were found in his lungs, forcing the Woo Woo Woo star to undergo chemotherapy and various surgeries.

Speaking on Primetime with Sean Mooney, Ryder revealed what kept him motivated during such a difficult time.

"It sounds so cliche; but, the only light at the end of the tunnel was I gotta survive this, I gotta make it through this, I gotta get to WWE."

Doing just that, Zack is now one of the longest tenuring stars on the roster, having held the Intercontinental, U.S. and Tag Team titles.

#4 Victoria

Victoria was part of the first WWE Women's Steel Cage match.

Victoria's career in WWE lasted an impressive seven years, and during that time she faced some of the all-time greats, including Trish Stratus, Lita, Molly Holly and Beth Phoenix.

But in 2010 the former WWE Women's and TNA Knockouts Champion would find an unusual lump on her neck and see a doctor in order to have it checked out.

This was definitely the right call, as the mole on her neck turned out to be Basal Cell Carcinoma, one of the most common forms of skin cancer.

Writing on her live journal, Victoria would admit she had gotten lucky, as they had caught it early.

"He cut most of it off, and next week, they are going to cut out the surrounding tissue and I should be 100%."

It just goes to show just how crucial time is when getting diagnosed.

#3 Bret Hart

The now cancer-free Hitman recently received his second WWE Hall of Fame induction.

Bret Hart is known as the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be, and rightly so.

A technical wizard in the ring, Hart's ability was matched by his character, working crowds into a frenzy as both a face and as a heel.

In 2016, Hart made a public post where he announced his cancer, a shocking blow to all his fans.

Ever-resilient though, Hart battled the disease, revealing in March that year that he had beaten prostate cancer thanks to regular checkups.

Though he now has to have checkups every three months, this is a small price to pay for the legendary star, who recently received his second induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Nowadays, Hart is much healthier, and the Hitman makes occasional appearances for WWE.

#2 Zach Gowen

Gowen went up against some of WWE's top stars in 2003, despite losing one leg years earlier.

Much like the other Zach on this list, Zach Gowen was diagnosed with cancer long before he joined the wrestling industry.

Diagnosed as a child, the eight-year-old Gowen would be forced to have his leg amputated to save his life, though his disability never deterred him from his passion.

Joining the WWE in 2003, Gowen was put on SmackDown, and enjoyed high-profile feuds with the likes of Matt Hardy, Roddy Piper, Brock Lesnar and even the boss, Mr McMahon.

Released from the company in February 2004, Gowen would continue wrestling in spite of his disability.

In 2016, Gowen re-emerged, as he took part of the Indianapolis qualifying round of the eighth season of American Ninja Warrior, and though he was not successful in qualifying for the finals, impressed everyone who saw him.

#1 Roman Reigns

Reigns has been able to return to WWE after beating leukemia again.

When Roman Reigns captured the Universal title at SummerSlam 2018, it seemed like everything was going right.

After a shaky few years, the Big Dog had vanquished Brock Lesnar, and with his Shield brothers by his side, it seemed nothing could stop him.

That was until October when Reigns emotionally revealed that the leukaemia he had fought over a decade ago had returned.

Vacating the title, Reigns' career and his life were put in grave jeopardy, though the Big Dog was able to come back, announcing his cancer was in remission months later.

A successful showing against Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 35, and a move to SmackDown Live have been just the latest part of Reigns' return to the ring.

And though he may not have championship gold around his waist now, expect that to change very soon.