This Was the XFL 2017
"The greatest hype on turf."
When Vince McMahon and NBC's Dick Ebersol joined forces in 2001, they didn't just launch a football league—they ignited one of the most audacious gambles in sports history.
Director: Charlie Ebersol
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is This Was the XFL (2017) about?
This Was the XFL (2017) revisits the 2001 sports league that dared to challenge the NFL's dominance. The documentary examines its high-stakes launch, the personalities behind it, and why its ambitious vision led to a dramatic downfall. It's a mix of nostalgia, analysis, and raw industry drama.
Who directed This Was the XFL?
Charlie Ebersol, son of XFL co-founder Dick Ebersol, directed the film. His perspective offers an intimate look at the league's rise and fall.
Who stars in This Was the XFL?
The documentary features Vince McMahon, Dick Ebersol, Bob Costas, Jesse Ventura, Ken Schanzer, and Jonathan Coachman—key figures who shaped the league's story.
Is This Was the XFL (2017) worth watching?
For fans of sports history or dramatic documentaries, This Was the XFL (2017) is a must-see. It blends gripping storytelling with insider insights, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking—even if the outcome was a known flop.
How long is This Was the XFL?
This Was the XFL (2017) runs for 77 minutes, a concise runtime that keeps the pacing tight while diving deep into its subject.
🎥 Trailer
This Was the XFL (2017) — The Untold Story of Football's Most Daring Experiment
When Vince McMahon and NBC's Dick Ebersol joined forces in 2001, they didn't just launch a football league—they ignited one of the most audacious gambles in sports history. This Was the XFL (2017) dives into the wild, high-energy experiment that promised raw athleticism, unscripted play, and a rebellious edge over the NFL. With behind-the-scenes insights and candid reflections from key figures like McMahon, Ebersol, and commentator Bob Costas, the documentary paints a vivid portrait of ambition, hype, and the unpredictable drama that unfolded on (and off) the field.
The film captures the electric atmosphere of the XFL's debut season—a league that thrived on controversy, spectacle, and the larger-than-life personalities steering it. From the WWE-inspired flair to the NFL's dismissive glares, This Was the XFL (2017) explores why a bold vision crashed spectacularly, leaving behind a legacy of what could have been and a reminder of sports entertainment's unpredictable nature.