Following the announcement of the revived XFL football league, Vince McMahon took time to field questions regarding various aspects of the promotion, including hot button topics in football such as President Trump, national anthem protests and names like Colin Kaepernick:
- McMahon reiterated that there would be no crossover between the WWE and the XFL, including announcers or wrestlers.
- He will continue to be CEO and chairman of the board for WWE. He said that would not affect his day to day job with WWE.
- It won't technically be a spring league, he said. Games will start in late January/early February of 2020.
- On why they kept the XFL name: He thinks there's a lot of equity in the XFL name. Plus, they think it's a cool name.
- Regarding the length of each game, McMahon said the idea is to go to two hours. He alluded that there might not even be a halftime.
- When it comes to safety, he wants the sport to be as safe as possible. No specifics, but will bring in experts.
- He was asked about President Trump: "I have no idea if President Trump will support this. Our league wll have nothing to do with politics and nothing to do with social issues."
- The national anthem: "I think it's a time-honored tradition to stand and appreciate the national anthem with any sport (...) here in America, and for that matter, in any country they do that. So I think it'd be appropriate to do that". When asked again if players will be required, McMahon said "There's you ing to be a lot of rules and regulations and (...) all of which are going to be out there for everyone. You're going to know them before you sign on (...) they will abide by those rules."
- Regarding why WWE isn't taking part in this, McMahon said that $100 million was too rich for WWE to invest in.
- When asked about specific players not in the NFL currently such as Colin Kaepernick, Johnny Manziel and Tim Tebow: "The quality of the human being is very important. Even with a DUI, you won't be playing in the XFL. If Tim Tebow wants to play, he could very well play."
- Asked again about Kaepernick, McMahon said "Again, I think anyone who plays the game of football well and meets our criteria of in terms of being a quality human being well as the player, why not, as long as everyone abides by the rules."
- He wasn't sure about names on the back of football jerseys (a la Rod "He Hat Me" Smart) but was impressed people still remember the nicknames years later.
- When asked if he asked his wife Linda McMahon's opinion about he leave, he have a blunt "no".
The XFL is expected to relaunch in early 2020. You can check the video of the press conference here.
