After announcing his NFL retirement, Rob Gronkowski is being tipped to make a move into WWE.
The five-time Pro Bowler, 29, announced his New England Patriots exit on Sunday, after playing a key role in their latest Super Bowl success this year.
A life-long WWE fan, Gronkowski didn't appear on Monday Night Raw in Boston - where he is based - the following evening.
But Gronkowski appeared alongside WWE stars the following evening at an annual Military Awards dinner - where he was awarded a Merit award for his dedication to serving others through volunteerism - and posed for a picture with stars, including Braun Strowman.
He was subsequently congratulated by Stephanie McMahon, who added fuel to the fire as she declared that WWE's doors "are always open".
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Indeed, having also been called out by Lio Rush on Raw - Rush labelling the former Tight End a "beaten, broken, hot piece of garbage" - speculation is rife that Gronkowski will be moving into the squared circle sooner rather than later.
McMahon's words echo those stated by her husband, Triple H, last month.
“We’ve met a few times, and he’s actually come down to the Performance Center and even done stuff with us at WrestleMania,” Triple H said of Gronk.
“He’s a great guy, an incredible player, and it’s hard not to root for him…Gronk has mentioned WWE before, that he loves it and said had so much fun doing it.
“I don’t know if it’s something he’d be seriously interested in, but that’s how the conversation started with Ronda Rousey, too.
"Certainly the door is open for him at WWE.”
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Gronk has previously appeared in WWE, making his presence felt at WrestleMania 33.
Then he stepped into the squared circle to help Mojo Rawley - a long-time friend - win the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Rawley declared earlier this week that he wouldn't be shocked if Gronk at some point transitions to professional wrestling.
"He's always been a wrestling fan," Rawley said.
"In the future, I'm sure at some point you'll see him inside a WWE ring in one capacity or another."
All signs point towards him following in the footsteps of the likes of Roman Reigns and The Rock.
