WWE

WWE just made a MAJOR change to WrestleMania 36 -- the event will be split into 2 nights ... and future pro football hall of famer Rob Gronkowski will be hosting the whole thing!!

Vince McMahon's org. just made the historic announcement Wednesday afternoon ... saying the ex-Pats superstar will be the face of the event from the WWE Performance Center in Florida.

The event is slated to go down April 4 and 5 -- on closed sets in multiple locations -- thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

As we previously reported, Gronk finalized a deal with WWE in a "part-time, cameo" type of setting last week ... with ProWrestlingSheet's Ryan Satin initially breaking the news Gronk was close to a deal.

Of course, there's gonna be a different feel to the huge event this year ... with the original plan in Tampa scrapped for a live-streamed event at WWE headquarters with ZERO fans.

A rep for WWE told us at the time, "Only essential personnel will be on the closed set at WWE’s training facility in Orlando, Florida to produce WrestleMania."

If Chuck Liddell wants a job with WWE, all he's gotta do is pick up his phone and call his buddy, Shane McMahon ... who tells TMZ Sports he wants to bring the Ice Man on board!!

Of course, we spoke with the UFC legend last week ... and the 50-year-old told us he's officially retired from MMA for good ... but would still love to beat the crap outta folks in the squared circle.

We spoke with Vince's son outside Craig's in L.A. about our interview with Chuck ... and it's safe to say the feeling is mutual ... 'cause Shane thinks the idea is AWESOME!!

"I know Chuck very well, so all he has to do is give me a ring," McMahon tells us.

"I'd love to do that with Chuck, that'd be awesome."

So, what are you waiting for, Chuck?!?!?! Hit your boy up!!

Rob Gronkowski is "deep in talks" to sign a contract with WWE -- and reportedly could make his first official appearance with the company later this month.

The 30-year-old ex-New England Patriots star has been talking about a career with the WWE for years -- but now that he's seemingly closed the door on an NFL comeback, it's becoming real.

In fact, ProWrestlingSheet's Ryan Satin appeared on FS1's "WWE Backstage" and cited multiple sources who say Gronk's very close to finalizing his deal.

Satin says if things move according to plan, Gronk is expected to appear on "Friday Night Smackdown" in New Orleans on March 20.

Gronk LOVES pro wrestling -- and the McMahon family. Just last month, he was pictured with Triple H during Super Bowl weekend in Miami.

And, don't forget when he famously jumped in the ring to help out his pal, Mojo Rawley, at Wrestlemania 33 in 2017 -- and looked like a natural.

In fact, Gronk even told us a short time after that bout he wanted a WWE match of his own with Rawley!!

If Rob does ultimately get into the sport full-time ... he'll have no shortage of rivals -- everyone from Becky Lynch to Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley have talked smack about the 30-year-old.

As for Gronk's ability to wrestle full-time despite having no real background in the WWE world ... Rawley told us last year, "All I know is whatever he does next, or what he's doing currently, he's gonna be the best at."

Gronk famously retired from the New England Patriots back in 2019 ... finishing his career with 3 Super Bowl rings and 79 total receiving touchdowns.

Did Daniel Bryan's clankers fall out of his outfit during his WWE match Sunday???

YES! YES! YES!

The wrestling superstar wore his usual skin-tight briefs for his brawl with Drew Gulak at Elimination Chamber in Philadelphia, Penn. ... and it didn't take long for things to get hairy.

Early in the match, Bryan went to suplex Gulak over the ropes ... but when Drew grabbed onto Daniel's briefs on his way over -- it exposed a whole lot of Bryan.

Later in the match, an almost identical situation happened ... with Dulak revealing Bryan's junk once again when he grabbed onto the wrestler's briefs on a throw from the top turnbuckle.

Of course, Bryan didn't seem too bothered by the accidental exposure ... he went on to beat Dulak with his famous "Yes Lock."

Daniel hasn't commented on the wardrobe malfunction, and it's unclear if it was never pointed out to him that the family jewels were exposed live on Pay-per-view!

He's been Cactus Jack, Mankind and even Saint Mick ... but pro wrestling legend Mick Foley says his favorite WWE alter ego isn't any of those guys -- it's someone way more corporate!

"I'm gonna go with 'Corporate Dude Love," Foley tells TMZ Sports ... "Where I got to dance with Mr. McMahon!" That's the first time I've ever given that answer!"

Don't get it twisted ... Foley says he LOVED being Mankind -- especially when he teamed up with a "little known entity named Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson."

"We did some great things together," Foley says.

Pro-wrestling star Robert Stone -- f.k.a. as Robbie E -- has a message for Conor McGregor ... LET ME MANAGE YOUR WRESTLING CAREER!!

Stone -- currently signed to WWE -- has been in the wrestling game for 20 years ... but recently retired from bustin' asses in the ring, so he could make bank outside it.

Rob's now a talent manager who represents NXT star Chelsea Green ... but he's looking to expand his roster in a very big (and Irish) way.

"Conor McGregor was meant to be part of sports entertainment. I think everyone kinda already knows that. It's just a waiting game."

"His entrance, the way he talks, the way he walks, the way he fights. This guy would be perfect for the Robert Strauss brand. there's a lot of money for him to make in this."

McGregor ain't the only star athlete who has expressed interest in wrestling. Tyson Fury made a cameo in the squared circle a few months ago ... taking out Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia.

"When you think of those guys, you think of money and that's why I'm doing this. I wanna make money. And, of course, they wanna be part of WWE."

Rob says he's heard from a lot of stars who want to get into the industry ... but they don't know how where to start.

"I've talked to so many people, heard so many things over the years. Big names like that want to get into sports entertainment, they just don't know how to."

But, with the right guidance ... Stone says he can produce mega-stars that transcend the wrestling ring.

"If you really think about it, there's John Cena, there's [Dave] Bautista, there's The Rock. These guys are so big right now in movies and commercials and talk shows," Stone says.

"I think more sports entertainers can be doing those things they just don't know that they could be and I'm going to help them get those opportunities."

Ric Flair says a wrestling match between his daughter, Charlotte Flair, and The Rock's daughter, Simone Johnson, would be freakin' AWESOME ... and it could happen!!

TMZ Sports talked to Flair at LAX ... and while the wrestling legend told us he hadn't given much thought to a Charlotte vs. Simone match, he says the women most definitely have -- and it'd be huge.

"I have not [thought about it], but I'm sure it's crossed their mind. They can see it down the road. It would be phenomenal!"

There's a big gap between the women... 33-year-old Charlotte has been with WWE since 2012 and is one of the biggest stars in the game.

But, Simone just started wrestling, so Ric says it's impossible to say exactly how good she'll be -- but she's got a major advantage -- The Rock's her dad.

"I haven't seen her wrestle yet, so it's hard to predict. She's got his genetics and she's got determination. I know that she's been dying to do this."

Charlotte vs. Simone would be epic ... 'cause well, remember Ric vs. The Rock in 2002?

WWE star Johnny Gargano says you are flat out "STUPID" if you think NXT is inferior to Raw and SmackDown ... telling TMZ Sports it's the best wrestling show in the world!!!

We talked to Gargano -- one of NXT's biggest stars -- earlier this week ... and JG had a message for all the people who sleep on his brand.

"That's BS. That's complete garbage, and it's something that me and a lot of guys have worked to dispel for a very long time," Gargano told us.

"Anybody out there that uses the words 'main roster' when talking about Raw and SmackDown, how about you watch the show on Wednesday night. You'll see the real main roster. You'll see the best wrestling show on the planet. You will see the best locker room on the planet led by me."

NXT was launched 10 years ago, and started out as a place for WWE to develop talent. However, NXT now has a TV deal, and a bunch of their wrestlers have become massive stars.

In fact, during last weeks NXT Takeover: Portland -- a big PPV event -- Gargano betrayed his friend and tag team partner, Tommaso Ciampa ... and cost him the title.

It was big news in the pro wrestling world.

In closing, Gargano has a message for anyone who thinks NXT ain't every bit as good as WWE's other brands.

Nikki Bella and Brie Bella have a lot to celebrate these days. Aside from the fact they're both pregnant, they're also both about to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame!!!

The Bella Twins were guests Friday night on “A Moment of Bliss” on SmackDown, where they and everyone else learned they were going to be 2020 inductees.

Nikki & Brie started their WWE careers in August 2008, and became hugely popular. Brie was the first to snag a championship, defeating Eve Torres to become WWE Divas Champion in April 2011. Nikki followed suit a year later ... crushing WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix.

The twins became pop culture icons, introducing a new generation of fans to wrestling ... especially with their reality shows, "Total Bellas" and “Total Divas,” as well as their YouTube channel, which boasts more than 2.6 million subscribers.

Both women are well along -- and close together -- in their pregnancies.

Hornswoggle saw the viral video of 9-year-old Quaden Bayles hysterically crying after incessant bullying ... and says he's been in a similar position, 'cause the wrestling star also grew up with dwarfism -- and was picked on.

TMZ Sports talked to Swoggle -- a wrestling star who spent 10 years with WWE -- and he offered advice to Quaden on how he should deal with kids who pick on him.

FYI -- the wrestler was born with a genetic condition that causes dwarfism

"I guess my biggest advice is don't let it get to ya, because that's what they want. All they want is to see you sad. All they want is to see you angry and upset, and just bummed out," Swoggle says.

"The minute you don't let them see that, alright. And it's not right to say, but maybe they'll move on to someone else. Or, maybe they'll just stop altogether."

If you haven't seen the video yet ... it's heartbreaking to watch. Bayles -- born with Achondroplasia dwarfism -- says he wants to die 'cause of bullies at school ... while crying.

Swoggle says it's also up to the people around Quaden to stand up for him when they see something going down.

"The other thing for others around Quaden is, if you see it, stick up for each other. There's no reason for it. There's no reason to let it happen."

The wrestling star says he knows kids look up to him ... and hopes he can be a source of strength to those who are struggling with bullies.

"Hopefully, I can [inspire kids] in some way. Hopefully, [Quaden] sees it as well as other people who might be getting bullied," Swoggle says.

"Hey, it didn't get to me. Don't let it affect your life. Do what you want to do. Live how you want to live and just have fun with life. That's the key. Enjoy life. We only got one, in reality."

"You can only be 9 years old once. You can't go back in time to change it, so enjoy it."

Conor McGregor WILL get a victory in a rematch with Khabib ... so says Becky Lynch, who tells TMZ Sports she believes Conor's got a whole new strategy for The Eagle!!

"I think he's been working," the WWE superstar says. "You saw it in the last fight. He's got a new game plan, his head is firmly in it and I think he wins it."

Becky admits she is biased -- she's from Ireland, after all -- and tells us, "Of course I'm going to say me countryman!"

But, The Man clearly believes Conor's got a real shot regardless.

"I think he's got that dedication," Becky says. "He backs it up, man. He backs it up."

The last time Conor and Khabib squared off in the Octagon ... things didn't go so well for the Notorious, who lost after he tapped out in the 4th round.

And, it remains to be seen if Khabib will even get in the cage a second time with Conor ... he just said earlier this month he wouldn't fight McGregor again for $100 MILLION!!!

Forget chocolate hearts and teddy bears ... this is the best Valentine's Day gift ever!!

WWE Superstar Lana blessed us all with a behind-the-scenes video of a boat photo shoot ... and it's amazing.

Lana donned the white and pink teenie-bikini ... and said "#HappyValentinesDay!!!"

Lana's been out on a Bahamas vacay ... and thankfully she's found a strong enough Wi-Fi connection to wish everyone a special V-day.

Of course, the drama in Lana's love life has played out for the world to see in the squared circle ... she's in the middle of a love triangle with husband Rusev and Bobby Lashley.

Becky Lynch is giving advice to Dwayne Johnson's daughter, telling TMZ Sports ... Simone should NOT try to be the WWE's next "Rock"!!!

And, why? The Man says it'll only overshadow her hard work!!!

"I would like her to be seen as the athlete and performer she is, in her own right, and not have her constantly compared to her dad," Becky says.

Of course, the WWE just announced Simone Johnson is training to become the league's next superstar ... and a lot of people want her to reprise The People's Elbow as her signature move.

Becky tells us she can see a scenario where that would be appropriate for the younger Johnson ... but says Simone would be better off creating her own character and finishing move.

"I think it'll be good for her to try and make her own way," Becky says. "Don't rely on the past. Don't rely on what got other people over. Try to make something new for yourself."

The advice didn't stop there ... Becky also said Simone needs to outwork EVERYBODY -- saying her famous father's shadow is going to create a huge spotlight on her from Day 1.

As for if Becky thinks Simone has the chops to cut it ... The Man says of course -- and tells us she's looking forward to their championship matchup in five years!!

Jon Jones would take the first REAL L of his fighting career if he stepped in the WWE ring with Roman Reigns ... so says the wrestling superstar himself!!

"It would be a hell of a fight," Reigns tells TMZ Sports. "But when it comes to the squared circle, I don't think there's anybody better in the world [than me]. So, yeah, I feel VERY comfortable being in the ring with Jon Jones."

Of course, a WWE scrap between the two massive fight stars is now a possibility because Jones just told Sports Illustrated this week a move to the squared circle at some point is "inevitable."

When we got Reigns out at L.A.'s new Sofi Stadium (the home of WrestleMania 37 in 2021!!), he told us he would LOVE to be a part of a bout with the UFC legend in the future.

"Oh, for sure, man," Roman says. "Someone like Jon Jones, I mean, if you're going to step in the WWE ring, you're most likely going to want to step in there with the big dog."

As for how Jones would fare outside of a match with Reigns ... Roman says he believes Jon's got a chance to be a real superstar in the WWE.

By the way, Reigns also gave some advice to Dwayne Johnson's daughter, Simone Johnson, who's now training to be a WWE Superstar.

Roman tells us he'd like to see her blaze her own trail with the future of her character, as opposed to following in the footsteps of "The Rock" ... saying, "It's better to create your stuff."