Rob Gronkowski: Playing In The NFL Prepared Me For WrestleMania

Rob Gronkowski is set to host both nights of WrestleMania 36. Gronkowski is one of the best tight ends in NFL history, but retired from the sport after the 2018-19 season. He’s been tied to the wrestling business ever since his appearance at WrestleMania 33 and his friendship with Mojo Rawley.

And speaking to Newshub, Gronkowski revealed that his wrestling roots go back to second grade.

“I have been a fan and watching since I was in second grade. My dad brought me to the matches when they came to Buffalo, and I was a huge fan of ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, D-Generation X and Val Venis. To be part of an atmosphere that I grew up watching is an honour. On top of that, to get the chance to work with my good friend Mojo Rawley is a dream come true.”

During his time in the NFL, Gronkowski became an entertainment star with his frat boy personality and just wanting to have a good time at all times. But it’s what he learned on the field that he says prepared him for WWE.

“Playing football in the NFL and being around the best of the best has definitely prepared me for WrestleMania. You can’t just walk out on the field and expect to be ready to compete – you have to practice, work out and know your plays,” he said. “It’s the same thing for WrestleMania. I can’t expect to go out there, and jump off the top rope or cut a promo. Everything is about practice and that’s what I’ve taken from my time in the NFL. If you want to be great in any industry, you have to do the work and prepare. In the time I have been with WWE, I can see the superstars are the same way and they want it just as bad. The Super Bowl is the biggest stage in sports and WrestleMania is the biggest stage in sports entertainment. One of the main similarities is they are both a team game. In order to win the Super Bowl, you have to be a team. In order to have a successful WrestleMania, everyone has to work like a team from the beginning to the end.”

Gronkowski’s first order of business as the WrestleMania host was to request a match between King Corbin and Elias, which was later made official by WWE.

Fightful will have live coverage of both nights of WrestleMania 36 beginning on Saturday, April 4.