As I sit here rewatching the beginning of Raw from last night I am driven to put my thoughts and feelings in words. Wow… what a way to start a show and push pause on a great career.

Roman Reigns

This man takes a lot of grief each week from the fans by being booed. I’m not saying we’re not entitled to our own opinions and I know we all have one or a few wrestlers that we always cheer against. I have followed Roman since he arrived on the main roster and I have probably been one of the few who cheers when he makes his way to the ring every week. He has struggled on the mic and has been labeled Vince’s boy but I have always found him fun to watch. Yes he has the look, he has the family lineage and many feel that he has been no more than a puppet on a string but I liked him anyway. Call me petty but I didn’t mind looking at him or laughing at him when he spewed some goofy line but he has shown great improvement over the years. It probably isn’t fair that many tried to compare him to The Rock because of a similar look and some family genetics but everyone did. He is his own person.

The Shield

I watched WWE as a kid and in my early 20’s but slipped away as a fan until my daughter showed an interest back in 2011-2012. It was around that time when The S.H.I.E.L.D broke onto the main event scene. These three guys came out and made a significant impact on the main roster in a way that no one had in a long time. While Rollins had agility and Ambrose was unpredictable Reigns seemed to be the one who was the quiet, enforcer type. Not only were they skilled in the ring together but they also had the capabilities to be Superstars on their own. They have each had the opportunity to make their skills shine. Even when Rollins turned his back on his friends in the ring I can only imagine that they still shared words and friendly exchanges in their personal lives. You could tell from watching that these guys were brothers outside of the squared circle as well. They were the kind of guys who had your back, and you would have fun just sitting around and having a beer with.

Joe–Only a Man

Last night this man stepped into the ring with the Universal Championship Title over his shoulder. He did something that for many of us is unimaginable. He did it with composure and strength that I’m not sure most people possess. He was a man, relatable to some in a way that we wouldn’t wish on our worst enemy, and he earned some respect that most haven’t shown him up until now. A man, who I’ve liked and cheered for some time, became a man that I will now say a prayer for and wish him nothing but the best in the next part of his story. This man has also shown compassion for kids and fans with health issues the entire time he has been in the public eye. He deserves to be backed during his health battle ahead.

A lot of WWE fans, myself included, like to speculate on what is happening backstage and trying to predict what is going to happen with current storylines. I don’t think any of us could have ever guessed something like this might happen to any of the Superstars. Maybe because we sometimes forget they are people too. This is their life, career, passion and future.  I hope all WWE fans can show some support for Joe and his family as he moves forward with taking care of his health and battling his way back to what he loves to do. I can’t wait to see the comeback ,when it happens, because hearing this man talk about his championship, his family and his future shows that he will be back. Joe may you battle through Leukemia in the same way you have battled through the other Superstars on the roster and come back stronger then ever.