WWE Universe reacts to Roman Reigns’ 6 year transformation since cancer announcement

The Shield earned its spot in WWE history. As the stand-out, Roman Reigns grew into the face of the company in the 14 years and three months he's been under contract. There was a time when Roman's health was of significant concern, but he bounced back. Fans are now celebrating the original leader of The Bloodline on what marks a major day for all three members of The Shield.

The Original Tribal Chief shocked the wrestling world on October 22, 2018, by opening WWE RAW as Joe Anoaʻi to announce that his leukemia had returned after his first battle and 11 years of being in remission. Reigns relinquished the Universal Championship but promised to beat the disease and return soon. The segment ended with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose coming to the stage for a Shield-style send-off to Reigns' indefinite hiatus for cancer treatment.

Rollins and Ambrose then dethroned Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre as the RAW Tag Team Champions in the night's main event. However, Ambrose immediately turned heel. The future AEW World Champion tossed the titles at Rollins, nailed Dirty Deeds on exposed concrete, and left through the crowd. Today marks six years since the infamous RAW opener and closer on October 22, 2018.

WWE fans have been marking the anniversary all day on social media. Many of the reactions are related to how strong Roman is, with praise for how he returned even stronger. Several comments also recalled how fans felt after hearing the news on RAW that night.

You can see a few of those reactions below:

"I watched this live and this made me so emotional. So happy to see that Roman is healthy and happy now!" wrote another fan.

Another common topic of discussion was how many fans initially accused WWE and Reigns of faking his cancer diagnosis. Several hoped to hold others accountable, pointing to one of the more unfortunate aspects of the WWE Universe. Still, the majority just wanted to celebrate The Head of the Table and think fondly of his career,

You can read some of those messages below:

"Kinda wild that all it took for people to give Roman a break was a cancer diagnosis. The way fans treated him prior to this was disgraceful," commented one fan.

"I remember this moment. brought emotions to my eyes. also brought disgust, because this was the moment i despised the IWC fandom. they pushed this belief back then that roman reigns was "faking" it so when he returned he'd get over with the crowd. absolutely despicable this was even a thought for some of them. regardless of it all, roman came back, is in remission and he dominated in his next run as the tribal chief!!," wrote another fan.

The Big Dog returned on February 25, 2019, to announce that his leukemia was again in remission. He returned to the ring 13 days later at Fastlane as The Shield reunited to defeat Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley, and Drew McIntyre.

The two remaining Shield members are set for WWE Crown Jewel

World Wrestling Entertainment will return to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday, November 2, and Sunday, November 3. The sixth Crown Jewel PLE will air live from Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh on Saturday, and the first-ever Saudi RAW will be taped that Sunday to air in the normal Monday timeslot.

Roman Reigns has been announced for Crown Jewel Weekend, but officials have not confirmed what segment or match he will be in. Seth Rollins has been announced for his first-ever singles match against new rival Bronson Reed at Crown Jewel.

WWE has confirmed two other Crown Jewel matches: Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes to crown the inaugural Crown Jewel Champion, plus Nia Jax vs. Liv Morgan for the inaugural Women's Crown Jewel Championship. These superstars will not defend their brand-specific titles in the matches.