Robert F. Kennedy’s Niece Joins WWE Amid Company’s Ties to Trump Administration

TL;DR

Zoe Hines, niece of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has joined WWE as a new recruit for NXT after a tryout in August 2025. Her hiring has been suggested to be influenced by her family's political connections rather than solely her athletic talent.

Key points

Zoe Hines is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s niece.
She joined WWE NXT as a new recruit.
Her hiring may be politically influenced.
Hines attended a WWE tryout in August 2025.
She has a background as a college softball player.

Mentioned in this story

Zoe HinesRobert F. Kennedy Jr.Cheryl HinesDonald TrumpWWELinda McMahon

Instagram/Zoe Hines **Robert F. Kennedy Jr.** and wife **Cheryl** **Hines**’s niece, **Zoe Hines**, was announced as one of WWE NXT’s newest recruits on Wednesday, April 28. The former college athlete, 23, had attended an open tryout for WWE in August 2025, sharing her experience on social media. “Grateful for the opportunity, the experience, and the people. Honored to represent @wwe at the 2025 SummerSlam Tryout,” Hines captioned a series of photos at the time. She was ultimately chosen as one of four who will train as part of WWE’s weekly *NXT* television program. According to professional wrestling journalist **Dave Meltzer**, however, Hines’s talent and athleticism were not necessarily the determining factor in the company’s decision. “I certainly heard a lot about Zoe Hines, I would say six months ago, and it was very much, like, this is one that was politically forced on them,” Meltzer, said during a live stream on Thursday, April 30, according to *People*. “She’s a real athlete, she’s a softball player. But when she had her tryout, it’s not like she knocked them dead or even knocked them even.”

Zoe Hines/Instagram President and his , including former co-owner **Linda McMahon**, who currently serves as U.S. Secretary of Education. “It was very much said that it was a forced hiring because of who she was and because of Robert F. Kennedy and , and you know, she just wanted to try,” Meltzer added. “It was like [**Dwayne** **Johnson**‘s daughter] **Simone Johnson**, it’s the same thing.”

Q&A

What is Zoe Hines' connection to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?

Zoe Hines is the niece of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Cheryl Hines.

Why was Zoe Hines hired by WWE despite mixed reviews on her talent?

Her hiring is believed to be influenced by her political connections, particularly with the Trump administration and Linda McMahon.

What was Zoe Hines' athletic background before joining WWE?

Zoe Hines was a former college athlete and played softball prior to her recruitment by WWE.