Gronk adds 'WWE 24/7 champion' to résumé - 2 minutes read


Since retiring from the NFL last year, former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has kept himself busy -- as a CBD entrepreneur, NFL analyst for Fox, television special co-host, music video star, contestant on "The Masked Singer" and game show celebrity.

Now he can add one more line to his résumé: WWE champion. Gronkowski, who was serving as host of the taped, two-night WrestleMania studio event that concluded Sunday night, ended up as part of the action and was crowned 24/7 champion.

The WWE 24/7 championship was created in 2019, and it frequently changes hands across a variety of WWE platforms. The title has been held by several non-wrestlers, including NASCAR driver Kyle Busch and the NBA's Enes Kanter.

Gronkowski jumped off a balcony in between matches at WrestleMania 36 and landed on a group of wrestlers, including the 24/7 champion --- and his friend -- Mojo Rawley. Gronk got up off the pack, pinned Rawley and became the latest WWE titleholder.

The 24/7 championship is defended at all times in all places. Gronk relinquished his hosting duties and left the event immediately after winning the title.

Gronkowski, arguably the best tight end in the history of the NFL, announced his retirement in March 2019 after a nine-year career in which he earned three Super Bowl rings and was one of the league's most colorful personalities.

Gronkowski had 10 or more touchdown receptions in five seasons, which is the most by a tight end in NFL history. He played in 16 playoff games, with 81 receptions for 1,163 yards and 12 touchdowns -- all records for a tight end.

The former Patriot has continued to rule out a return to the NFL someday. And with friend and quarterback Tom Brady moving on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the WWE -- at least for now -- making Gronk a titleholder, a return to football could be even less of a possibility.