This Was the XFL

This documentary series chronicles the rise and catastrophic fall of the original XFL, the ill-fated professional football league launched by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon in 2001. It delves into the league's conception, its bizarre rules, questionable marketing strategies, and the astronomical financial losses that led to its swift demise after just one season.

As a retrospective documentary, "This Was the XFL" was generally well-received for its candid look at a spectacular sports business failure. Critics praised its access to key figures and its entertaining, often cringe-worthy, recounting of the league's brief, chaotic existence. Audience reception focused on the nostalgia and the fascinating cautionary tale it presented.

• Offers a highly entertaining and often hilarious look back at one of sports' biggest flameouts.

• Provides fascinating insight into the hubris and ambition behind the XFL's creation and its inevitable downfall.

• Features interviews with key players and executives, adding credibility to the cautionary tale.

Google audience: While specific Google user ratings are not readily available for this documentary series, general audience sentiment highlights its engaging storytelling and the intriguing subject matter of a failed sports venture.

The XFL's original commissioner and coach of the New York/New Jersey Hitmen, the legendary NFL coach and commentator Lou Holtz, resigned just days before the league's first game due to creative differences with Vince McMahon.