Is Vince McMahon Bringing Back The XFL?

Vince McMahon might be ready to challenge the NFL again.

There are some signs that the WWE owner might be ready to resurrect the XFL, which he started with former NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol in 2001. The league lasted one season but had plenty of weird and memorable moments.

For starters, journalist/wrestling fan Brad Shepard tweeted that McMahon could announce the return of the XFL on Jan. 25, 2018.

EXCLUSIVE: Vince McMahon is looking to bring back the XFL and may announce it on January 25th, 2018.

— Brad Shepard 🤘🏻 (@TheBradShepard) December 16, 2017

Then Deadspin.com wrestling writer David Bixenspan reached out to WWE, and a spokesperson for the sports-entertainment organization only added to the intrigue with a vague response.

A WWE spokesperson issued the attached statement to me & @Deadspin in response to my inquiry about tonight's rumors of a soon to be announced XFL revival. They declined further comment. Whatever Vince McMahon's "Alpha Entertainment" is, it's self-funded & separate from WWE. pic.twitter.com/oT0Oxyi2fV

— David Bixenspan (@davidbix) December 16, 2017

Bixenspan further fueled the speculation by pointing out some interesting trademark applications.

In what I’m sure is a complete coincidence, WWE filed for two new XFL trademarks this year, both long after the 30 for 30 premiered.

— David Bixenspan (@davidbix) December 16, 2017

Back in February, ESPN ran a “30 for 30” documentary on the hyped rise and rapid fall of the renegade league called “This Was The XFL,” which was directed by Ebersol’s son, Charlie.

At the end of the documentary, Dick Ebersol asks McMahon if ever thinks about bringing the XFL back.

“Yes I do,” McMahon said. “I don’t know what it would be. I don’t know if it’s going to be another XFL or what it may be or how different I would make it. It seems like in some way it would tie in either with the NFL itself or the owners.”

“Well certainly the most adventurous owner is Jerry Jones,” Ebersol says.

McMahon nods and smiles. “Yes.”

“We both know him pretty well,” Ebersol continues. “You’ve just had a Wrestlemania with him. Jones is and was a real fan of what we tried to do and speaks of it even fondly still today as something that really was trying to fill a need.”

That need may not include a need to have sold-out stadiums right out of the gates.

“Why wouldn’t they want to continue with the product, and if the stadium is 25-percent full, it’s better than zip?” McMahon says. “So you need to come out of retirement, put the headset back on . . .”

“We’ll have to use our own money, because I don’t work at NBC anymore.”

“I’ll do it with you,” McMahon says.

“Yeah, absolutely,” responds Ebersol.

“I don’t know what else we could do that the NFL isn’t doing now,” McMahon explains, “but I’m sure we could find a way.”