WWE superstar Roman Reigns banned for 30 days

WWE superstar Roman Reigns has been suspended for 30 days for violating the company’s talent wellness policy.

The 31-year-old former heavyweight champion – whose real name is Leati Anoa’i – has been banned with immediate effect from appearing in the ring, the WWE confirmed in a statement on Tuesday (06.21.16).

In light of the decision, Roman subsequently took to Twitter to issue an apology to his friends and family, as well as his fans in the WWE.

He wrote: "I apologize to my family, friends and fans for my mistake in violating WWE’s wellness policy. No excuses. I own it. (sic)"

The American football player-turned-wrestling star is currently one of the biggest names in the WWE, having held the heavyweight title until recently.

Roman is scheduled for a triple threat match against current champion Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins at WWE’s much-anticipated Battleground event on July 24.

The timing of Roman’s suspension means he could technically still participate in that bout, although it remains to be seen if the WWE decide to rearrange it.

Roman has already headlined numerous WWE pay-per-view events during the course of his career, including WrestleManias 31 and 32.

But while he has been billed as one of the rising stars of the sport, his ascent has already received negative feedback from fans and critics.

Roman, though, has tried to embrace the fans’ reaction towards him.

Speaking earlier this year, the WWE superstar said: "Sometimes, as a former football player, we have to go into that away game and silence the crowd … And just let them know I am the man. I’m going to be here for a long time."