Zoe Hines has signed a contract with the WWE. Zoe, 28, has been announced as part of the 2026 Performance Center class. Interestingly, Zoe is the niece of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She joined the WWE following a high-level collegiate and international softball career.
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However, it would appear that Zoe's selection into this year's class was somewhat made by the higher-ups at TKO, the parent company of the WWE. According to Dave Meltzer, speaking via Wrestling Observer Radio, Zoe's addition to the WWE had been influenced by those near the top of the company.
"I certainly heard a lot about Zoe Hines, I would say six months ago, and it was very much this is one that was politically forced on them," Meltzer said. "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 it was a forced hiring because of who she was and because of Robert F. Kennedy and Linda McMahon both being in the cabinet."
Meltzer then continued by explaining that he'd hear some within WWE were "dreading" Zoe's addition to the roster. Not because she wasn't good enough, but rather, because she was a hire that had been forced on the company.
"As far as like the hiring of her, I would say it was probably known easily a year ago that it was inevitable that this would happen. And 6 months ago, it was already known from the tryout that it was one of those where the people who knew and seen had told me it was a hire they were dreading because it was a forced one."
What Is the WWE Performance Center Class?
The beauty of professional wrestling is that there's always a deep talent pool to choose. Especially when looking to upgrade the roster. However, the WWE often looks outside of up-and-coming wrestling talent, instead preferring to acquire talented athletes from other disciplines.
Those athletes then sign to the Performance Center class. From there, they can begin learning the ropes of professional wrestling. Furthermore, they will develop within the company's system.
This year's class included former Grand Canyon University lacrosse player Garrett Black, Zoe Hines, and collegiate Volleyball star Nicholas Panicali, among others.
Being signed to the Performance Center does not guarantee moving up the ranks. It is, however, a stellar opportunity.
