For the first time ever, ESPN’s ESPY Awards had a category for “Best WWE Moment”.
Which meant WWE was guaranteed to win an ESPY!
And the winning moment was the one most people had pegged for the trophy as soon as the nominees were announced. Which certainly isn’t to say Kofi Kingston or Becky Lynch’s wins at WrestleMania 35 weren’t awesome and historic, or that Ronda Rousey beating Alexa Bliss to claim her first pro wrestling championship wasn’t a big deal. But Roman Reigns had his leukemia return, took a few months off, got treatment while doing some movie and TV work, and came back to the ring shortly after getting word the cancer was again in remission.
That’s your WWE Moment of the Year. Believe that.
In February, @WWERomanReigns announced that he was in remission and back wrestling!
— ESPN (@espn) July 10, 2019
That landed him the first-ever ESPY for Best WWE Moment! pic.twitter.com/Uy415GkHZW
Hear what @WWERomanReigns had to say after learning that he won the first-ever Best WWE Moment award at the #ESPYS! @WWERollins @BeckyLynchWWE @StephMcMahon @TripleH https://t.co/UeTdXjrKsE
— WWE (@WWE) July 11, 2019
Coming back meant more than just returning to the ring. It meant I was healthy enough to show my gratitude for those who sent their prayers, who continually thought about me, and that I was ready to raise awareness. Thank you for all those who voted, it is an honor. #ESPYS @WWE pic.twitter.com/u2rGTZkVLf
— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) July 11, 2019
Reigns actually got his award on the red carpet before the official ceremony, which is for more mature awards, I guess. The Big Dog did get to hand out a trophy inside, though. He presented the Best Coach award to University of Connecticut legend, and fellow cancer survivor, Jim Calhoun.
Tonight at the #ESPYS, @WWERomanReigns presented the Best Coach award to fellow cancer survivor and former three-time NCAA National Championship-winning coach Jim Calhoun. https://t.co/9I9iYn84xe
— WWE (@WWE) July 11, 2019
A nice night for a good dude. Congrats Roman!