UPDATED: Vince McMahon May be Looking to Bring Back the XFL, WWE Releases Statement on Rumors

UPDATED: In addition to the earlier rumors and statement from WWE, a recent trademark filing by the WWE for the XFL in June 2017 was discovered by WrestlingInc.com.

The XFL trademark was filed by WWE on Wednesday, June 28, 2017. It was filed under the category of “Education and Entertainment Services.” Currently, WWE has until December 28 before the foreign filing deadline for the trademark expires. Here is a description for the XFL trademark for the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the filing.

“Entertainment services, namely, an ongoing series featuring wrestling exhibitions and performances by professional wrestlers and entertainers provided through broadcast media, namely, television and radio, and via the Internet or online service; Entertainment services, namely, production of sports and sports related programs provided through broadcast media, namely, television and radio, cable, satellite and via the Internet or online service; Sports entertainment, namely, conducting of sports competitions; Providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; Providing a website featuring information in the fields of sports and entertainment.”

ORIGINAL: In a rumor that originated on Twitter from Nation One News Foundation reporter Brad Shepard, it appears one of the most unlikeliest comebacks in sports is on the horizon with the XFL. Shepard tweeted this week that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon “is looking to bring back the XFL and may announce it on January 25th, 2018.” You can check out his tweet below.

XFL had a short-lived run in 2001, launched by WWE and NBC. There was recently an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary in 2017 regarding the XFL, and it featured both Vince McMahon and former NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol talking about a revival for the no-holds-barred football league. The story of an XFL return might seem farfetched, but it started gaining traction after David Bixenspan of Deadspin asked WWE for a statement on the matter.

When asked whether to confirm or deny the possible reboot of the XFL, a WWE representative stated: “Vince McMahon has established and is personally funding a separate entity from WWE, Alpha Entertainment, to explore investment opportunities across the sports and entertainment landscapes, including professional football. Mr. McMahon has nothing further to announce at this time.”

The statement isn’t exactly a confirmation of an XFL return, but it seems to suggest there is potential validity to Shepard’s original rumor. Whether this comeback for the XFL pans out or not remains to be seen. The XFL was previously cancelled after its first and only season.

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

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