In an exclusive reflection, Bishop Dyer — formerly known to WWE fans as Baron Corbin — has revealed a behind-the-scenes moment where he was handed a controversial promo targeting Roman Reigns’ battle with leukemia, a segment he ultimately declined to deliver. This candid admission sheds light on the sensitive nature of WWE’s creative decisions and the moral lines wrestlers sometimes face within the industry.
The Controversial Promo Offer
Bishop Dyer recently discussed how WWE creative presented him with a promo script that included remarks disparaging Roman Reigns’ cancer diagnosis. Reigns, one of WWE’s top stars, has publicly battled leukemia twice, most recently leading to his poignant announcement relinquishing the Universal Championship to focus on his health. Dyer recognized the gravity of attacking a real-life illness and chose to refuse participation.
According to an insider close to the WWE locker room, “It’s rare but not unheard of for WWE to test talent with promos that toe the line, but this one was different because it targeted something so personal about Roman. Bishop having the courage to say no speaks volumes.” Such decisions reveal the tension between character development and respect for real-life hardships.
Roman Reigns and His Leukemia Struggle: Context for the Promo
Roman Reigns first battled leukemia before his WWE main roster debut, managing to push it into remission. This personal journey became public in 2018, adding an inspiring chapter to his wrestling career. In 2023, Reigns made the heartbreaking announcement on Raw that the leukemia had returned, forcing him off WWE programming temporarily as he sought treatment.
Backstage, only a select few — including Vince McMahon, Triple H, and wrestling officials — were aware of Reigns’ condition before that announcement. Even close allies like Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose were told about Reigns dropping the title only shortly before its airing, without knowledge of the leukemia return. This level of confidentiality added to the weight and respect surrounding Reigns’ situation.
Within this environment, scripts mocking or undermining his health battle crossed a sensitive line, making Bishop Dyer’s refusal understandable and, according to sources, commendable.
The Wrestling Culture and Promo Challenges
Promo segments in professional wrestling are designed to evoke strong reactions, build rivalries, and elevate characters. Wrestlers often push boundaries to enhance storytelling, occasionally involving real-life issues for added emotional impact. However, as Dyer’s experience confirms, not all crosses the line of acceptability for talent.
Bishop Dyer commented on the larger promo culture in WWE, indicating that some legendary wrestlers — such as John Cena — often use promos to test newcomers, pushing them to perform under pressure. Cena’s method involves delivering hard-hitting, unsparing promos to measure their limits and encourage growth in the ring and on the mic.
An insider familiar with WWE’s creative process shared, “It’s a delicate dance — wrestlers want to deliver their best while respecting real-life circumstances. The ones who say no when asked to cross certain lines tend to gain respect backstage.” Dyer’s refusal to attack Reigns’ leukemia is a clear example of this ethical boundary.
Emotional Impact and Backstage Reactions
Roman Reigns’ leukemia announcement was one of WWE’s most emotional moments in recent memory. Numerous backstage photos and footage captured fellow wrestlers embracing Reigns, demonstrating solidarity and support. The wrestling community broadly rallied behind Reigns, highlighting a human side behind the spectacle.
In this light, a promo that disparaged his illness would have conflicted with the backstage unity. A WWE source noted, “Roman is a leader in the locker room. Attacking his health publicly would’ve hurt morale—and Bishop knew this.”
This aligns with how many wrestlers prefer to keep certain real-life matters off the screen, prioritizing respect over sensationalism.
Implications for WWE Storytelling
Bishop Dyer’s revelation may prompt WWE to evaluate the content and tone of future promos, particularly those involving deeply personal issues. Wrestling thrives on drama but perhaps learning from such moments can steer creative towards storylines that uplift rather than demean.
Given Reigns’ ongoing battle and status in WWE, future promos are expected to reflect more compassion. Meanwhile, wrestlers like Dyer demonstrate that maintaining personal integrity is critical, even in an industry built on scripted conflicts.
Final Thoughts
Bishop Dyer’s decision to refuse a promo attacking Roman Reigns’ leukemia is a compelling reminder that wrestling, despite its fierce storylines, remains rooted in real human experiences. Such moments behind the scenes often shape the performers just as much as what transpires in the ring.
As a backstage source put it, “Wrestlers want to tell a story but not at the expense of their colleagues’ dignity. Bishop stood up for what was right, and that’s always respected in the locker room.”
Roman Reigns continues his health battle with the support of WWE and fans worldwide, while Bishop Dyer’s stance reinforces the importance of empathy within professional wrestling’s dramatic world.