The latest rumors revolving around WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon suggest that the promoter is looking to relaunch the XFL football league which was a joint venture between the professional wrestling company and the NBC broadcast television network with McMahon and NBC executive Dick Ebersol spearheading the project back in 2001.
According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer, the creation of Alpha Entertainment company could be an avenue for the revival of the XFL. Meltzer adds that representatives of the WWE have stressed that the company is independently funded and will not affect McMahon wrestling interests. Additionally, Meltzer announced that McMahon has started trademarking the XFL name within last month which indicates possible merchandising uses in mind.
In a tweet, Deadspin reporter David Bixespan revealed that a spokesperson from the WWE issued a statement which claims that Alpha Entertainment is chiefly concerned with "investment opportunities across the sports and entertainment landscapes, including professional football." Freelance journalist Brad Shepard also tweeted exclusive news claiming that McMahon is looking to announce the return of the XFL on Jan. 25, 2018.
In a "30 for 30" documentary produced by ESPN entitled "This was the XFL," the success and failures of the professional football league were highlighted and it concluded that the league ultimately failed because it tried to do too much - too fast. The documentary also featured McMahon and Ebersol who talked about the lesson they have learned from the venture.
Adam Silverstein of CBS Sports reports that changes will have to be made if the XFL is indeed returning to television screens next year. The XFL's concept of overtly sexualizing cheerleaders and old-school, no-holds-barred football should pose a concern given the timely issue involving professional football players and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Silverstein adds that a toned-down version of the XFL more akin the NFL, but with enough unique elements to set it apart should be expected.
Nonetheless, there has been no official announcement from McMahon himself to confirm or deny the rumors.
