Paul Heyman believes Roman Reign’s leukemia battle provided him with a deeper value for life.

“I’m sure it gave him a greater appreciation of life. I’m sure it gave him a greater appreciation of one’s own mortality,” Heyman said. “I’m sure it gave him a greater appreciation of the blessings that he has over and above what many other people have … Roman Reigns had an affliction. His children, thank god, as of now, don’t share that affliction. His children are healthy. What a blessed man. His mom is still alive, and what a character she is. He’s a blessed man. His father is still alive and a legend. What a blessed man.”

Reigns, who previously described his first leukemia diagnosis as a “death sentence,” shifted his mindset during his second battle with the disease. He said that teaming up with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) shed new light on his approach to life, which was previously propelled by the simple motivation of putting smiles on faces. 

During his time away from the ring, he was able to connect with people who had similar stories and inspire them through his own, which was “life-changing” to Reigns, and gave him a different purpose. 

After his return to wrestling in 2019, Reigns began to slowly transform his character, and in August 2020 debuted “The Tribal Chief” gimmick. He reclaimed the Universal Championship, which he has held for over 1,000 days.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “Tetragrammaton” with a H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.