Report: Actually, Rob Gronkowski already signed with WWE

While Ryan Satin was on WWE Backstage last night saying former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is “close” to signing with WWE, multiple outlets are saying he’s actually already signed.

Both The Wrap and PW Insider are reporting the deal is now.

The Wrap reports that Gronkowski will indeed debut on the Mar. 20 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, and he will make an appearance at WrestleMania 36 early next month. Said appearance will apparently lead to a future match.

PW Insider, meanwhile, says the Backstage stuff was storyline and Gronkowski’s deal is to work as an active wrestler. It was compared to something like Ronda Rousey, with WWE bringing in a big star from the sports world to wrestle.

If he’s working the SmackDown brand, it means he won’t be on the same brand as his best buddy Mojo Rawley. Then again, WWE has shown a willingness to have wrestlers appear on both brands anyway.