WWE News: Rob Gronkowski Could Be Headed To The WWE, Plus Top NFL Moments In Wrestling
The relationship between the NFL and WWE is not news to longtime fans. NFL players like Lawrence Taylor and Steve McMichael have made the transition from the gridiron to the squared circle. In WWE news, Rob Gronkowski may be the latest NFL player to make that list. Recently, the WWE tag team The Hype Bros (Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley) were on Good Morning San Diego. Rawley knows Gronkowski personally, and in the video below he describes his relationship with “The Gronk,” and when the WWE universe might see him in the ring.
As the Washington Post reported, Rawley was very ecstatic over this WWE news.
“Wait until you see me and Rob together… You can barely handle me, but wait until you get us together. Oh, it’s game over!”
Rob Gronkowski entering a WWE ring would certainly make news headlines. Below is a list of the most popular moments that an NFL player has made their way to a wrestling ring. Some made long-term careers in wrestling, while others just made a brief appearance.
Mojo Rawley
Mojo Rawley (real name Dean Muhtadi) signed with the Green Bay Packers in 2009, and played for the team for four preseason games.
Bart Scott
Former linebacker for the New York Jets, Bart Scott made his way to a TNA ring and had a brief altercation with Kurt Angle. Unfortunately for the NFL linebacker, Scott found himself in an ankle lock.
Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart
After having minor success with NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, Jim Neidhart had a very successful career in the WWE. He captured the WWE Tag Team Championship on several occasions with his partner Bret Hart. Neidhart would eventually leave the WWE for WCW, but he didn’t find the same success with Ted Turner’s company.
WWE’s Wrestlemania 2 Battle Royal
In 1986, the WWE held a historic battle royal that featured not only wrestlers, but several NFL players: Jimbo Covert, Ernie Holmes, Harvey Martin, Bill Fralic, Russ Francis, and most notably, William “The Refrigerator” Perry. Andre the Giant would win the contest, but many feel “The Refrigerator” stole the show.
“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan
Before carrying a 2×4 to the WWE ring and screaming, “Hooooooo,” Jim Duggan played for the Atlanta Falcons.
Ron Simmons
Before becoming the first African-American WCW champion, Ron Simmons played for the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. Simmons found great success in the WWE as well; he captured the tag team titles on three different occasions, and he is a WWE Hall of Fame inductee.
“The Big Cat” Ernie Ladd
Before making his way to the WWE, Ernie Ladd played for three NFL teams: the San Diego Chargers, Houston Oilers, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He is also the only athlete to be inducted in both the WWE Hall of Fame and the American Football League Hall of Fame.
“Cowboy” Bill Watts
Before becoming a legendary wrestling promoter, Bill Watts played for the Minnesota Vikings.
Quinn “Moose” Ojinnaka
Quinn Ojinnaka played for the Atlanta Falcons and several other NFL teams, and eventually made his way to Ring of Honor.
Roman Reigns
Before holding numerous WWE titles, Roman Reigns competed with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Brandon Jacobs
After becoming a two-time NFL Super Bowl champion, Brandon Jacobs did a stint with TNA wrestling. The NFL player found brief success in the ring by slamming Bully Ray through a table.
Monty Brown
Monty Brown found success with the Buffalo Bills and had a successful career wrestling for TNA. He also wrestled for the WWE under the moniker Marcus Cor Von. He is one of the few athletes to make an appearance at both the NFL’s Super Bowl and WWE’s WrestleMania.
Vader
Before becoming WCW heavyweight champion, and feuding with Shawn Michaels in the WWE, Vader (real name Leon White) was with Los Angeles Rams.
Brian Pillman
Though he only had a brief stint in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, the late Brian Pillman had great success in WCW, ECW, and the WWE.
Steve “Mongo” McMichael
Before joining the Four Horsemen in WCW, Steve McMichael performed for three NFL teams: New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and the Chicago Bears. When he was with the Bears, they won the NFL Super Bowl XX championship.
Kevin Greene
NFL superstar Kevin Greene made a couple appearances in WCW. At the Slamboree pay-per-view, he teamed with Ric Flair and Roddy Piper to beat the NWO.
Adam “Pacman” Jones
Adam Jones was suspended in the NFL in 2007. During this time he made a few appearances in TNA.
“Chief” Wahoo McDaniel
The WWE universe might find it news that the wrestling superstar spent nine years in the NFL; he played for the Jets, Dolphins, Oilers, and the Broncos.
Baron Corbin
Current WWE superstar Baron Corbin played briefly for two NFL teams: the Colts and the Cardinals.
John Bradshaw Layfield
Current WWE commentator and former WWE champion, JBL briefly played for the Oakland Raiders.
Bill Goldberg
Goldberg is the most successful athlete to transition from the NFL to professional wrestling. He found success playing for the Atlanta Falcons, and found even greater success in WCW and WWE. Many argue that he is the most popular wrestler of all time.
Lawrence Taylor
When NFL superstar Lawrence Taylor made his way to WrestleMania, it made news headlines worldwide! Taylor would main event WrestleMania XI alongside “Bam Bam” Bigelow. The Super Bowl champion beat Bigelow, and he also exceeded most people’s expectations.
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WWE News: Randy Orton Out Of ‘Backlash?’
Whether or not the WWE will be reporting news that NFL sensation Rob Gronkowski will be making his way to the ring is uncertain, but if he does, he will find himself in good company.
[Featured Image by Scott Halleran/Getty Images and WWE]
