This Was the XFL

About This Movie

This Was the XFL dives deep into that wild rollercoaster ride of the 2001 XFL, a mix of sports and spectacle that felt like a fever dream. The pacing is a bit uneven, jumping from high-energy game footage to behind-the-scenes moments that really showcase the hubris of its creators. There's this palpable sense of excitement but also a looming inevitability of failure. The atmosphere is electric, yet tinged with a kind of tragic comedy—like watching a train wreck unfold in slow motion. The characters involved, especially Ebersol and McMahon, emerge not just as figures in sports history, but as embodiments of ambition clashing with reality. It’s a fascinating case study on what happens when bravado meets the unforgiving world of professional sports.

Explores the ambitious launch of the XFL · Highlights both triumphs and failures · Unique perspective on sports entertainment history