WWE’s Roman Reigns pulls out of WrestleMania, per reports

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A week before WrestleMania 36 is set to be broadcast live from an empty arena, four-time WWE world champion Roman Reigns reportedly has pulled out of the globally popular event.

Pro Wrestling Sheet first reported Reigns’ withdrawal, and ESPN confirmed the report via unnamed sources. A Pensacola native now residing in the bay area, Reigns, 34, is a leukemia survivor whose immune system could be compromised amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The WWE had no immediate comment on the reports, but WWE chief brand officer Stephanie McMahon told the Tampa Bay Times last month the company would put no fan or performer at risk.

“The health and safety of not only our fan base, but also our superstars, really does come first,” McMahon said. “We don’t want to put anyone in a bad situation ever, regardless of the circumstance. Those are not risks worth taking.”

A former Georgia Tech defensive tackle whose real name is Joe Anoa’I, Reigns was set to face Goldberg for the WWE Universal title at WrestleMania.

The annual pro wrestling spectacle originally was set to be held a week from Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, but the pandemic forced WWE officials to move it to its training complex in Orlando, where it will be broadcast live (via pay-per-view and the WWE Network), albeit without a live audience.

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