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Is Roman Reigns Too Sick to Compete at Backlash After WrestleMania Match?

Published Apr 29, 2024 | 7:06 AM EDT

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Roman Reigns, labeled these days as the G.O.A.T., saw his over 1,300-day reign as the WWE Universal Championship end at WrestleMania XL Night #2. Dethroned by The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes, he disappeared into the night. Taking some time off, he hasn’t been seen or heard from on the program. While the WWE Universe chats “We want Roman,” there is hope that he returns at Backlash on May 4 in France. But can he compete?

Some immense revelations came to light at Mania XL concerning The Tribal Chief’s health. Along with reports about his current status, fans have indulged in their own discussion.

Roman Reigns still fighting against leukemia

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Fans wonder if Reigns will still compete in the WWE due to a line in his A&E documentary. Aired ahead of WrestleMania, he said, “You guys better cherish these moments, ’cause once I lose the WWE Undisputed championship, I’m calling it quits.” While this could have been a work, fans believe he needs some time off. The Big Dog had carried the WWE Universal title since April 3, 2022. Despite not wrestling as much as fans would’ve liked, he gave the title a great deal of worth in the WWE.

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News emerged during Mania season that Reigns was still battling cancer while wrestling on both nights. This shocked fans and his media scrum post-Mania revealed more. He said, “I’m still on oral chemotherapy. It’s a medication that I’m gonna have to remain on my entire life, most likely. So yeah, that’s just a part of my personal battle.” 

Nevertheless, The Tribal Chief is not one to bow down to uncertainty as he also looks to pursue new opportunities in his blossoming film career.

Reigns looks to solidify his prospering Hollywood endeavors

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However, Roman Reigns looks to venture into greener pastures with his foray into Hollywood. It was also reported post-Mania that he was filming a movie, Good Fortune. The movie also stars Keanu Reeves, Keke Palmer, Seth Rogen, and more. It is the directorial debut of comedian Aziz Ansari. The WWE star is also set to appear in the heist film The Pickup.

While fans want him to return at WWE Backlash, the New Bloodline story needs time to develop with its new entrants. Since Reigns left, Solo Sikoa took charge and exiled Jimmy Uso. Tama Tonga took his place after a brutal beat down on the first SmackDown after Mania. The Backlash PLE in France will see Sikoa and Tonga face Randy Orton and Kevin Owens. Rumors swirl strongly that Jacob Fatu and possibly his brother, Zilla Fatu, could debut in WWE soon. All this sets a glorious path going into SummerSlam which could be a more realistic time for The Tribal Chief’s return. What do you think? Will the former Undisputed Universal WWE champion return at Backlash, or will the WWE develop The Bloodline story further? Tell us in the comments.

Written by:

Christopher Paul

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Christopher Paul is a WWE reporter at EssentiallySports. With over eight years of experience as a writer and a childhood passion for pro wrestling, Chris is now a voice for kayfabe fans. He has a penchant for covering live events and enjoys breaking the latest developments in the WWE Universe.
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Edited by:

Amal Joyce