10 Things WWE Fans Need To Know About The XFL

The world has changed since 2001, but has it changed enough for Vince McMahon?

by Jamie Kennedy
XFL WWE

The original XFL launched amidst much hype in 2001 and ended up being both a critical and financial disaster for Vince McMahon. It was so bad that even close WWF confidants like Jim Ross worried about how the boss would react in subsequent meetings.

Vince (being Vince) waved off failure and promised to have another go when the time was right.

2020 is that time. The new XFL launches this weekend, and the rules have literally changed. This won't be the same glitzy crossover between pro sports and pro wrestling as before – McMahon is absolutely determined to cut into the NFL's business share and make his league a viable alternative. Some within the sport think it'll be another Alliance Of American Football bust instead.

What does all this mean for WWE fans though, and why should those who just fancy watching Raw, SmackDown, NXT and some pay-per-view content on the Network give a sh*t about third downs, gleaming helmets, rule changes and touchdowns?

2020's XFL could change WWE forever, and it deserves a chance. Here's everything you need to know...

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.