Rob Gronkowski to Reportedly Sign WWE Contract, Make Debut on SmackDown

Former New England Patriots tight end, Rob Gronkowski has reportedly signed a contract with the WWE and will report to the SmackDown brand on Friday nights.

The report arrived from Ryan Satin on Tuesday night's WWE Backstage, where he stated the former NFL player was rumored to be close to a deal with the wrestling promotion and can appear on programming as soon as the March 20 episode of SmackDown in New Orleans.

The Wrap reports Wednesday that the Gronkowski-WWE deal is finalized and the "Gronk" will make his debut on next week's Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.

While next Friday looks to be the official WWE debut of Rob Gronkowski, the former tight end previously appeared at 2017's WrestleMania 33 in Orlando. In the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, Gronkowski jumped the barricade after Jinder Mahal threw water at the NFL player.

Gronkowski would enter the match and help his friend, Mojo Rawley, eliminate the former WWE Champion.

Watch Gronkowski's WrestleMania 33 appearance below

Rob Gronkowski played nine seasons in the NFL, all with the New England Patriots, and won three Super Bowls along the way. He was one of the most dominant tight ends in the game - and possibly ever - amassing 521 receptions, 7,861 receiving yards and 79 touchdowns, including 81 receptions and a tight end-record 1,163 receiving yards and 12 scores in 16 postseason games.

Gronkowski announced his retirement via Instagram in March 2019 in a lengthy letter to his fans and the team that took a chance on drafting him.

"It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of football today," Gronkowski wrote. "I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have met, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been a part of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I have been giving and learning the great values of life that I can apply to mine.

"Thank you to all of Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support since I have been a part of this first class organization. Thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be. But now it's time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, Pats Nation, and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for the rest of my life."

Gronkowski wouldn't stay away from the game entirely, as he would also join the Fox NFL Sunday team as an analyst for the 2019-20 season.

Now, Gronkowski is reportedly looking to bring his infectious, high energy into the squared circle to start a new chapter in his life.

What do you think of Gronkowski possibly joining the WWE? Do you see him having a match or moment at this year's WrestleMania? Let us know in the comments section.