News broke on Tuesday night on WWE Backstage that former NFL player Rob Gronkowski was “close to signing” with WWE and that he could appear on the March 20th episode of SmackDown from New Orleans.
In an update, TheWrap reported on Wednesday morning that Gronkowski has indeed signed with the company. Per the report, he’s slated to make his debut on Friday Night SmackDown next week.
Also, the report states that current plans are for him to make an appearance at WrestleMania 36 next month.
However, he won’t be wrestling at the show but rather he’ll be there to build-up to a match after WrestleMania.
As of this writing, there’s no word yet on who his opponent will be or when his in-ring debut will take place.
Another update came from Pwinsider.com, who reported that Gronkowski will be working as an active pro wrestler.
The deal was described as being similar to Ronda Rousey, who worked a part-time schedule that included matches at pay-per-view events as well as some live events and making appearances on television.
Gronk, who is a big WWE fan, announced his retirement from pro football last this year.
