WWE wrestler Roman Reigns says he will step away from the ring because he has leukemia.

The 33-year-old Reigns, whose real name is Joe Anoa'i, made the announcement Monday night to open the episode of professional wrestling television program "Raw," during which he relinquished his title. He said he has been diagnosed with the disease for a second time.

He was originally diagnosed in 2008 at age 22, though he quickly went into remission. He's been fighting the disease since.

Reigns, who was born in Pensacola, Florida, and once played football at Georgia Tech, has appeared in the last four main events at WrestleMania. He is one of WWE's biggest stars and is a three-time World and one-time Universal Champion.

He also said that he has planned on returning to the ring when he gets healthy.

"Reigns is taking his battle with leukemia public in an effort to raise awareness and funds for research in order to advance cures for the disease," WWE said in a statement.

(Cover: Roman Reigns attends the WWE Live show at Wembley Arena in London, UK, November 5, 2016. /VCG File Photo)