Gronk, WWE And WrestleMania?

On last night's episode of WWE Backstage on FOX Sports 1, Ryan Satin reported that retired NFL player - Rob Gronkowski - is 'deep in talks with WWE and close to finalising a deal'.

This news isn't really that shocking to my, and I'm sure many others', ears as Gronk and WWE have flirted with one another many times over the years.

This is especially considering the former New England Patriot is best friends with WWE's Mojo Rawley and has also been seen in public with the likes of Paul Levesque and Stephanie McMahon-Levesque.

WWE has leaked to Satin that Gronkowski will likely be in the company - 'in some capacity' - by March 20th for that night's edition of WWE Smackdown.

With March 20th being  a little under a fortnight for the scheduled date of WrestleMania 36, I think it's safe to surmise that the plan is for Gronk to be involved with Mania in some form.

For the past few weeks, Sky Bet has been accepting wagers on 'Rob Gronkowski to make an appearance' in its WrestleMania 36 RequestABet specials.

When I first found the selection - in the latter part of February - the firm was offering 3/1. It was still at 3s when I checked in on Monday, but was down to 2/1 this morning.

It's currently available at 6/4.

Overseas bookmakers also had - and in one case, still have - specials for a Rob Gronkowski WrestleMania appearance with BetOnline and MyBookie both pricing up propositions on his attendance at the event.

BetOnline was offering +200 for him appearing, with the 'No' a -300 favourite. However, this market has now been taken off the board following the report.

MyBookie's market is still available as of the time of writing. It lists the 'Yes' at +250 and the option to bet on him not showing up is -350. Those are the same prices that have been available since its Mania prop markets were installed late last week.

View MyBookie's WWE Markets