From WWE.com: WWE Hall of Famer âRowdyâ Roddy Piper has been diagnosed with Hodgkinâs lymphoma. Also known as Hodgkinâs disease, Hodgkinâs lymphoma is a form of cancer found in the bodyâs lymphatic tissue. The lymphatic system helps filter out bacteria and is important in fighting diseases. Piper was sent home early from WWEâs early-November tour of the United Kingdom and hospitalized for surgery, where doctors removed a mass at the spinal cord with an enlarged lymph node. The mass was completely removed, but the lymph node was positive for Hodgkinâs lymphoma. Radiation therapy is used to treat Hodgkinâs lymphoma; it is an extremely successful procedure, so the prognosis is very good for Piper.
Lita did an interview with WWE.com. She noted âIâll have a lot of memories with me and a lot of experiences with me but Iâm ready to keep moving ahead,â Lita confessed. âIâve been looking around the locker room and there arenât many people left that were here when I started. Itâs a sad time, but I know this is right.” She also noted â[Edge] is so close to me and he has heard me weigh out these options and talk about my feelings,â Lita said. âHe is supportive and he understands my decision.â Despite their deep bond, Lita candidly explained that her intentions to leave sports-entertainment began in mid-2005 with the onset of very personal issues involving Edge. When Litaâs relationship with the Rated-R Superstar became publicized and broadcast on WWE programming each week, the former Womenâs Champion experienced a drastically sharp transformation. âIt felt like even if I was walking the dog there was going to be someone yelling â~You screwed Mattâ out the window,â she recalled. âIt really took a toll on me; it affected every aspect of my life. Although thatâs passed now, the weight of that situation stays with me every day.â She added, âI feel like there is no way for me to escape the whole feeling that I have from being involved in such a public affair. Thereâs no other alternative for me than to walk away.â She also noted to WWE.com that âIâve had an awesome career and Iâm more confident in the ring today than I ever have been,â Lita claimed. âBut, Iâve made my mark. There is no hidden meaning behind my leaving; this is just me needing to take a break.â âComing in and showing a new Diva that sheâs not hot stuff would be fun,â she mused. âI have the utmost respect for the amazing experiences I have had here and I am keeping the door open. Iâll figure that out when it comes.â
