As previously reported, WWE recently announced its latest class of rookie recruits for 2026, which includes Zoe Hines, a former college softball player and the niece of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
According to Dave Meltzer on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE was "politically forced" to sign Hines. Meltzer acknowledged that while Hines is a talented athlete, her performance during the tryouts was not particularly impressive. He suggested that her hiring was largely influenced by her family connections, specifically noting the roles of Robert F. Kennedy and Linda McMahon in the cabinet. Meltzer also mentioned that many within WWE were anticipating this hire, implying it was seen as inevitable for over a year.
Hines participated in WWE tryouts during SummerSlam week last August. Notably, last month, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that Hines had signed a deal with WWE.
