Report: Former NFL star Rob Gronkowski signing WWE deal for in-ring role

This story was updated with additional details on Wednesday at 1:30 PM Eastern.

According to reports, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is headed to WWE in a deal that could see him in regular in-ring competition. 

On WWE Backstage Tuesday night, Ryan Satin first reported that Gronkowski is “deep in talks with WWE and close to finalizing a deal.” He said the former football star could be on next week’s SmackDown from New Orleans, LA, which The Wrap confirmed Wednesday.

The Wrap also reported Gronkowski will make an appearance at this year’s WrestleMania, but for a build to a future match and not for any in-ring action this year.

PWInsider took it a step further Wednesday, reporting that Gronkowski will be “an active pro wrestler” in a deal similar to Ronda Rousey’s WWE run where a big name from another sport was brought in as part of the main roster.

Known for his fun-loving persona, Gronkowski became a crossover star during his time in the NFL. He retired after the 2018-2019 season and joined Fox Sports as an analyst last October.

Gronkowski is friends with WWE’s Mojo Rawley and has appeared for WWE before, including getting involved in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 33 and helping Rawley win.

This February, Triple H posted a tweet thanking Gronkowski for inviting him to his Super Bowl weekend beach party. Triple H also suggested that Gronkowski should come to this year’s SummerSlam in Boston: “Thanks for the invite to the Beach Party @RobGronkowski… maybe you should come to our party in Boston … heard it’s the biggest of the summer. @StephMcMahon”