From the WWE Rumor Mill: Top NFL star to sign with WWE?

What’s the story?

Dave Meltzer is reporting that WWE is in signing New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski if he decides to retire from the NFL.

In case you didn’t know…

Rob Gronkowski has been playing for the New England Patriots since 2010, where he was a round 2 Draft pick. He is a 2× Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI), 5× Pro Bowl (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017), 5× First-team All-Pro (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017), NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2014) and NFL receiving touchdowns leader (2011).

Rob has always been a big WWE fan and maintains a close friendship with WWE star Mojo Rawley. Last year on the WrestleMania 33 pre-show, Rob jumped the barricade and took Jinder Mahal down with a shoulder tackle, thus aiding his friend Mojo Rawley in winning the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

Gronkowski takes down Jinder

The heart of the matter

Dave Meltzer reported in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE is willing to offer Gronkowski a deal similar to the one it just gave former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey. Although that is something a little hard to comment on as the details of Ronda's WWE contract, i.e how many dates she will work is currently unknown.

Meltzer also said that if Rob were to sign with WWE, he would be making a lot less money than he currently does, which already is a strong implication that a deal wouldn't happen.

What’s next?

Following the Patriots lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, Rob said he was going to take a few weeks to assess his future and wouldn't rule out the idea of retiring.

Although Mojo Rawley recently re-signed with WWE, he is currently in the middle of a heel run, so WWE will not likely bring in Gronkowski for any more casual appearances in the near future.

Author’s take

Rob Gronkowski is a great football player and, stature-wise, he could match up to the majority of the WWE roster. A deal between the two sides would be interesting, but I can't see it happening anytime soon.