In what has become a cornerstone for scouting elite athletic talent, WWE officially unveiled Class 5 of its groundbreaking “Next In Line” (NIL) program last night, continuing its mission of bridging college athletics with sports entertainment. Featuring a dozen standout collegiate athletes, this latest class represents a cross-section of America’s most promising stars from various sports backgrounds — and includes three second-generation standouts with WWE Hall of Fame blood coursing through their veins.
Let’s break down each new member of this powerhouse class and what brought them to the world of WWE:
Jacob Henry — Wrestling (Texas)
The son of WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry, Jacob Henry brings raw power and pedigree to the NIL program. A dominant force in collegiate wrestling, Jacob’s accolades on the mat reflect the same intensity his father once brought to the squared circle. Known for his explosive takedowns and intimidating presence, Jacob’s transition into WWE feels like destiny fulfilled. The World’s Strongest Man may soon have competition from his own son.
Brock Rechsteiner — Football (Kennesaw State)
Another legacy signing, Brock Rechsteiner is the son of Scott Steiner, one half of the legendary Steiner Brothers. The chiseled fullback earned respect at Kennesaw State for his relentless blocking and weight room dominance — not unlike his father’s freakish physicality in WCW and WWE. With genetic power and collegiate discipline, Brock’s move to WWE feels like a seamless fit for the “Big Poppa Pump” lineage.
TJ Bullard — Football (UCF)
TJ Bullard rounds out the trio of legacy stars. The son of WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil, Bullard excelled as a linebacker at the University of Central Florida. Known for his leadership, tenacity, and high football IQ, Bullard combines athletic acumen with a philanthropic mindset reminiscent of his father. His charisma off the field makes him an intriguing prospect for WWE storytelling and character development.
Fatima Katembo — Basketball (Illinois State)
Standing tall and confident on the court, Fatima Katembo made waves at Illinois State with her aggressive post play and shot-blocking skills. She brings size, athleticism, and the ability to command a crowd’s attention — all essential traits for WWE’s women’s division. Her fierce presence suggests a natural transition to the ring.
Meghan Walker — Basketball (UConn/WNBA)
Meghan Walker’s elite career at UConn, followed by a stint in the WNBA, underscores her pedigree in high-level competition. A sharpshooter with a clutch gene, Walker’s crossover into WWE adds veteran leadership and a performance-ready mindset. Expect a quick adaptation to the performance center lifestyle.
Zuriel Jimenez — Swimming (University of Miami)
An Olympic Trials qualifier and freestyle phenom, Zuriel Jimenez makes a splash as one of the most unique additions to NIL Class 5. Her relentless training ethic, body control, and lung capacity could give her an advantage when developing ring endurance and fluid motion between the ropes.
Bianca Pizano — Field Hockey (Michigan State)
Known for her elite stick-handling, stamina, and strategic vision on the field, Bianca Pizano played a critical role for the Spartans. Her sport demands agility, awareness, and fast reaction time — traits that directly translate to success in WWE’s fast-paced, improvisational environment.
Madison Kaiser — Ice Hockey (University of Minnesota)
Minnesota-born toughness? Check. Big game experience? Check. Madison Kaiser brings speed and grit from her time on the ice, and her fearless demeanor is tailor-made for the physical demands of pro wrestling. As a standout for the Golden Gophers, she knows what it takes to win under pressure.
Garrett Beck — Lacrosse (University of Virginia)
As a defenseman known for hard hits and lockdown coverage, Garrett Beck turned heads at UVA for his brute strength and commanding field vision. He’s one of the most physically imposing athletes in the NIL class, and his lacrosse background lends itself to rapid footwork and spatial control — keys in a wrestling ring.
Hidetora Hanada — Wrestling (Michigan State)
Representing international flair, Hidetora Hanada is a Japanese-born wrestler who has thrived in American collegiate wrestling. With deep grappling roots and a disciplined foundation, he could blossom in WWE’s global expansion plans. His striking look and strong style influence make him a standout.
Kerrigan Huynh — Gymnastics/Track & Field (University of Michigan)
A hybrid athlete with elite-level balance and flexibility, Kerrigan Huynh is one of the most athletically versatile prospects in NIL history. Her background in both gymnastics and track primes her for high-flying moves and show-stopping agility in the ring. With the right training, she could follow in the footsteps of former gymnasts-turned-wrestlers like Naomi or Kacy Catanzaro.
Gina Adams — Basketball (Loyola Marymount)
Gina Adams rounds out the class with a flair for athletic showmanship and high basketball IQ. She was known for her court vision and leadership at Loyola Marymount, and her charisma already shines in photos and public appearances. WWE could be grooming a future mic star with serious crossover appeal.
Class 5 not only represents the ongoing evolution of WWE’s scouting and development strategy, but also the vision of a future roster rooted in athletic excellence, legacy storytelling, and cultural diversity. From the offspring of legends to rising collegiate stars ready for their breakout moment, the NIL program continues to be a bridge between the world of competitive sport and the global stage of WWE.
As these athletes report to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, fans will be watching closely. The next Bianca Belair, Montez Ford, or even Roman Reigns could very well be among them.
The future is in line — and it’s ready to make an impact.
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