WWE Superstar Roman Reigns had pulled out of all WWE programming, during the lead up to Wrestlemania 36. This was during the global lockdown, which saw massive changes in schedules and fan attendance. The WWE however, seems to be taking this voluntary exit a bit too hard.

Reigns is a leukemia survivor. His health conditions had forced him to leave the WWE in the past. He had made his much-awaited return in February 2019. The fans gave him an amazing reception as well.

Despite his life-threatening condition, Reigns still returned and competed at the highest level. And he did that at the biggest of stages. 

Roman Reigns pulling out of Wrestlemania

The main decision which has prompted the extreme reaction from WWE is his exit from Wrestlemania 36. Reigns has a greater chance of contracting the virus as he is immunocompromised.

Reign’s decision to pull out was a genuine one considering his medical history. Both WWE and the fans understood the fighter’s decision at first. The recent reaction, however, seems to indicate otherwise.

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The WWE removed Reigns from all promotional material surrounding Wrestlemania 36. This was an understandable step, as there would be no point in keeping Reigns in the footage if he wasn’t on the Wrestlemania lineup. What seemed strange was the extent to which his likeness was edited out.

WWE edited the promotional video footage of the event and removed Reigns’ previous Wrestlemania matches from it.

They even manipulated the footage from the match between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns. The promotional footage now looked like Lesnar was fighting a ghost in the ring, until Seth Rollins emerged in the video and cashed in his Money In The Bank contract. 

Furthermore, there was a mandate issued by Vince McMahon, banning all references of Roman Reigns during the entire event. WWE was clearly displeased by Roman’s sudden departure. and was actively trying to undermine his legacy as a WWE Superstar.

A negative outlook on WWE?

Reigns recently made it clear that it wasn’t just his health. He revealed that it was his family also that prompted him to pull out of Wrestlemania. Reigns recently became the father of twins, making him a proud father of five. His decision to be there for his wife and kids is admirable and isn’t selfish by any means.

WWE’s decision to remove Reigns’ presence makes them look bitter. McMahon’s decision to hurt Roman’s image comes off as extremely petty, given the circumstances of the fighter’s exit. Altogether, the WWE’s reaction is unwarranted and may have unwanted consequences in the near future.