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US President Donald Trump (2L) stands, flanked by (L/R) US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, US golfer Bryson DeChambeau, WWE CCO Triple H and US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., after signing an executive order restarting the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 31, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

WWE reportedly was forced into hiring Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s niece Zoe Hines due to political connections. The news was confirmed that Hines will be among the latest WWE Performance Center signees to train at the massive facility in hopes of becoming a major wrestling star. WWE often hires independent wrestlers and athletes from other sports to join via their schooling of various wrestling classes.

Wrestling Observer insider Dave Meltzer reported that there’s controversy within WWE about the signing:

“I certainly heard a lot about Zoe Hines, I’d say six months ago, and it was very much like this is one that was politically forced on them. I mean, she’s a real athlete, she’s a softball player. When she had her tryout, it’s not like she knocked them dead or even knocked them even.

It was very much said that it was a forced hiring because of who she was and because of Robert F. Kennedy and Linda McMahon both being in the cabinet, and it was just, she wanted to try.”

Hines’ softball background made sense for her to get a tryout since WWE has signed talents from many other sports to move to wrestling. However, Meltzer confirmed that the WWE decision makers had outside pressure due to RFK Jr. and former WWE chairwoman Linda McMahon holding power in Donald Trump’s White House cabinet.

RFK Jr’s Niece’s Current Role In WWE Explained

Hines was officially signed by WWE to train at the Performance Center to train and attend classes every weekday. WWE typically has legends like Shawn Michaels, William Regal, and Robbie Brookside teaching classes to help the young prospects learn the art of wrestling.

Prospects are expected to show progress in the ring and on the microphone in promo classes. Talents to impress and show they are ready for television will get called up to the NXT brand. The weekly television show is watched by over a half million viewers on USA Network as a major opportunity.

Hines would usually have to impress in training before she gets called up, but Meltzer’s report about her connections helping her could speed that up. The Rock’s daughter Ava Raine had a television role due to this, but she ultimately didn’t last in pro wrestling.

Why This Can Become Problematic For WWE

WWE has already been under fire for working too closely with political figures in various contexts. Trump’s connection to WWE sees head honcho Triple H appearing at the White House. WWE even aired Trump promo packages before a SummerSlam 2025 main event between CM Punk and Gunther to upset many of their viewers.

The Saudi Arabia relationship is another story of WWE getting paid massive money by the controversial government there. Many fans are upset about WrestleMania 43 taking place in Saudi Arabia over the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom locations.

WWE forming close relationships with political figures and movements is just risking alienating a large percentage of the audience, regardless of which side they lean into. Hines getting a major push would cause this growing story to become a bigger one, especially after Meltzer’s report that her connections got her hired.