Bishop Dyer, the former WWE Superstar known as Baron Corbin, recently revealed details about a controversial promo that he refused to deliver—one that took shots at Roman Reigns’ leukemia diagnosis. His candid comments shed light on WWE’s backstage dynamics and creative decisions surrounding one of the promotion’s most sensitive storylines.
Dyer discussed the incident in a recent interview, revealing that he was given a WWE promo script that crossed a line by disparaging Reigns’ real-life battle with leukemia. He found the material inappropriate and made the conscious decision to refuse performing it, a bold move considering WWE’s typically strict control over promos and storylines[2].
The promo in question reportedly involved taking cheap shots at Reigns’ health condition, using it as a heel tactic against the company’s top star, who had publicly shared his fight with cancer. This approach sparked significant backlash internally and externally, as many felt it was exploitative and disrespectful. Dyer’s refusal highlighted the tension between WWE’s creative ambitions for drama and the real-life circumstances of its performers[2][5].
Roman Reigns first announced his leukemia diagnosis in late 2018, a moment that deeply resonated with fans and the wrestling community alike. Vince McMahon and key members of the WWE creative team, including Triple H, Kevin Dunn, and writers such as Dave Kapoor and Ed Koskey, were reportedly surveilling the announcement closely. Some wrestlers learned about Reigns’ condition only minutes before the announcement aired live[1]. The sensitive handling of this storyline contrasted with WWE’s reputation for blending reality and fiction, but also underscored the complexity of using personal health struggles in wrestling narratives.
According to sources close to the matter, WWE wrestlers like Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose were told Reigns would relinquish the Universal Championship but were kept in the dark about the exact reason until shortly before the announcement[1]. The promotion even reportedly kept Reigns isolated on a bus before the episode, presumably to maintain the authenticity and impact of the reveal[1].
Bishop Dyer’s decision to reject the promo aligns with the sentiments shared by many who felt that WWE’s use of Reigns’ leukemia in promos was in poor taste. As covered by Cageside Seats and Wrestling Inc., some fans and insiders criticized WWE for blurring lines between at-risk real-world issues and scripted wrestling rivalries. It sparked debates about the ethics of leveraging real illnesses for entertainment purposes[3][5].
Since his leukemia revelation, Roman Reigns has had multiple uplifting returns to WWE programming, portrayed by the company as a real-life hero battling adversity. WWE.com features video recaps celebrating Reigns’ brave comebacks and the support he has received from fans and peers alike[4]. This dynamic further complicates any attempt to weaponize his illness in promos.
Sources close to WWE creative have noted that promos criticizing Reigns’ leukemia did not receive widespread approval backstage, especially as public awareness and sympathy for him increased. Fightful’s reports highlight that while Vince McMahon was involved in earlier stages of the storyline, his attendance at tapings has become less frequent, potentially affecting oversight of sensitive creative content[1].
Dyer’s story serves as a rare glimpse behind the curtain, illustrating how wrestlers sometimes have to navigate morally questionable material assigned by creative teams. According to the interview, rejecting such content is risky for performers but sometimes necessary for personal integrity. Dyer’s choice to stand against disparaging someone’s health illustrates a growing awareness among wrestlers about the boundaries of scripted promos in WWE’s evolving landscape.
As WWE continues to balance drama and sensitive real-life stories, the episode involving Bishop Dyer and the rejected leukemia promo remains an important example of the tensions inherent in sports entertainment storytelling. It speaks to the necessity for compassion and respect when real personal struggles become part of the wrestling narrative.
According to a WWE insider, “There’s always a fine line between telling compelling stories and respecting the people behind those stories. Dyer’s refusal was a reminder that some lines shouldn’t be crossed—even in wrestling”[2].
This episode adds to the ongoing dialogue about how WWE can responsibly integrate real issues into its fictional framework, honoring performers’ lives while still delivering engaging entertainment to fans worldwide.