XFL Million Dallar Game

While one could argue that the advent of a league is more than a “gimmick” in most instances, that argument doesn’t really hold water for these next two entries. The XFL failed because, despite being a league, it was nothing but a gimmick. There was no substance to the league, which tried marrying the WWE’s sensibilities with the mainstream appeal of the NFL. The final product was insanely dumbed-down, and offered entertainment only through its scantily-clad cheerleaders and some dude that had “He Hate Me” on his jersey for reasons beyond comprehension. Ratings after the premiere were abysmal, and it didn’t last a season.