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Current WWE Champion Reveals Devastating Personal News

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 17:00 GMT by Newsweek
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WWE’s Champion Shares Heart‑Wrenching Family Loss in Emotional Interview

In a candid interview that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, the reigning champion—Bobby Lashley—revealed that his mother, Sheree Lashley, had passed away earlier this year after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. The news came during a live broadcast of WWE’s flagship talk show “Raw’s Weekly Wrap,” a segment that is usually reserved for post‑event recaps and promotional hype. Instead of the usual hype‑up, Lashley broke down emotionally, turning the spotlight away from the ring and onto a personal tragedy that has left fans and fellow superstars stunned.

The Moment of Disclosure

The interview began in the same upbeat tone that is typical of the program. Lashley was surrounded by his close friends and teammates, including longtime ally Drew McIntyre and rival “The King” Roman Reigns. While discussing the upcoming WWE Day of Reckoning event, Lashley shifted the conversation, saying, “I’ve been carrying something heavy that I needed to share.” He went on to explain that his mother had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late 2023 and had passed away on January 8th, 2024. His voice cracked as he said, “It’s a piece of news that’s devastating.”

The segment quickly turned into a heartfelt tribute. Lashley’s teammates gathered around him, offering hugs and solidarity. Reigns even made a brief appearance on the segment, saying, “We’re all here for you, Bobby. Your mom was an amazing woman.” The segment ended with Lashley placing his hand on a photo of his mother that he had brought to the show—a picture of Sheree with her children, smiling through the years. He thanked the WWE Universe for their outpouring of support, stating, “The love we’ve seen from fans and fellow performers is nothing short of incredible.”

Why It Matters: Lashley’s Rise to the Top

Bobby Lashley, 36, is the youngest WWE champion in recent history. He won the WWE Championship on a night in early 2024 after defeating “The Titan” Roman Reigns in a brutal match at WrestleMania 40. Since then, he has defended the title against top-tier talents such as "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt, Drew McIntyre, and Kevin Owens. His ascension to the top spot was marked by a blend of raw power, charismatic presence, and a gritty storyline that resonated with fans worldwide.

In a recent press release, WWE stated that Lashley’s emotional vulnerability has only added depth to his character. “Bobby’s willingness to share this with the world underscores his commitment not just to his role as a champion, but as a role model,” said WWE Senior Vice President of Talent, David McKee. “His story reminds us all that we’re human, not just athletes.”

The Ripple Effect Through WWE

Lashley’s announcement has had a ripple effect on WWE programming. Several storylines are being adjusted to accommodate his emotional state. The next scheduled WWE pay‑per‑view, “Royal Rumble,” will see Lashley sit out his match against Drew McIntyre, who will instead face “The Titan” Roman Reigns in a title‑for‑title bout. McIntyre will later release a statement saying, “Bobby is my friend and my brother. He deserves this time to grieve.”

Other wrestlers have also responded publicly. “It’s not just the ring that’s broken,” said WWE Hall of Famer Chris Jericho. “The bonds we share transcend the spotlight.” Jericho’s statement was accompanied by a photo of himself and Lashley on the set of “Raw” from a previous episode, showing the camaraderie between the two.

Fans and the Broader Community

The reaction from the fan base has been overwhelming. A thread on Reddit’s r/WWE has thousands of upvotes, with many fans posting tear‑jerking messages. “Bobby always puts his heart into everything he does. My mother died last year and hearing this made me think of the cycle of life,” posted a fan named “SisterStar.” Others have shared the story on Twitter, with hashtags #BobbyLashley #MothersDay and #CancerAwareness trending for a short while.

A local cancer foundation in Tampa, Florida, where Lashley is from, announced a partnership with WWE to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. They will host a fundraising event in the next month, featuring a “Lashley Cup” match where all proceeds go to pancreatic cancer research.

Looking Ahead

While the focus is understandably on his personal grief, Lashley remains determined to return to the ring. In a short clip that aired immediately after the interview, he was seen walking toward the backstage area, clutching a photo of his mother, and was met with a standing ovation from his fellow superstars.

“He’s going to be back,” says WWE Producer Mark McDonald, “He’s a fighter. But he needs time.”

In a statement posted on the official WWE website, Lashley added, “I’m honored to be a champion for so many, and I will do everything I can to honor my mother’s memory by giving my best in the ring.”

The WWE community’s response has highlighted the human side of the sport—where titles and championships are celebrated, but the stories of loss and resilience that accompany those journeys are equally powerful. The announcement of Sheree Lashley’s passing has, for a brief but poignant moment, reminded everyone that beneath the glittering masks and choreographed drama, real emotions and real lives still drive the spectacle of professional wrestling.