Rob Gronkowski to appear on WWE Friday Night Smackdown

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski delivers a body tackle to WWE Superstar Jinder Mahal during a match at WrestleMania 33 on Sunday, April 2, 2017, in Orlando, Fla. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP Images for WWE)

Rob Gronkowski is getting back in a wrestling ring as the former NFL tight end will make an appearance on the March 20 edition of Friday Night Smackdown, the WWE announced Friday.

The 30-year-old was reportedly close to signing a deal to join WWE and would be making an appearance at Wrestlemania 36.

Gronkowski retired from the New England Patriots last March after nine seasons, three Super Bowl victories and five Pro Bowl appearances.

He has spent the past year serving as a TV analyst for NFL broadcasts along with doing promotional work for various companies. Gronkowski also appeared at WrestleMania 33 where he entered the ring during the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

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