A REPLAY system used in the new-look XFL has been dubbed a “game-changer” by fans of the NFL.
The revamped XFL debuted this weekend after being relaunched by WWE legend Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson and his ex-wife Dani Garcia.
Dwayne Johnson was in Arlington, Texas for the XFL 2023 opener on February 18
The XFL owner and former WWE star delivered a hype video before the game
But it was the new-look ‘Command Center’ which stole the show
It proved to be a huge hit with football fans starved of action following Super Bowl LVII and the end of the NFL season on February 12.
The NFL has been dogged by controversy over refereeing decisions throughout the 2022 campaign.
Many fans felt a contentious call late in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs vs. Eagles matchup proved the action was “rigged.”
And many were calling for the NFL to adopt the new-look “Command Center” introduced by the XFL during Arlington Renegades vs. Vegas Vipers game.
The system saw Dean Blandino, XFL vice president of officiating and rules innovation, analyze key decisions on a monitor away from the field.
Similar to the VAR review system in soccer, Blandino was given the chance to review a call using a number of different camera angles.
He then relayed his decision-making directly to officials on the field, who informed the crowd of the overall review decision.
Viewers are home were given access to the decision-making as it happened, with many praising the league for its “transparency.”
One fan wrote: “Love this. Even if/when I disagree with a ruling, at least we’ll understand how they arrived at their decision. Do it, NFL, college football, and MLB.”
Another added: “This would change the NFL.”
While a third said: “NFL has no reason not to adopt this unless, of course, there’s an agenda. Sad it took the XFL to show them how it’s done. Well done.”
And a fourth joked: “You can’t rig games with this.”
While a fifth added: “This is incredible. See how little time it took? Take notes NFL.”
The XFL 2023 season opener proved to be a thrilling contest, with Arlington running out 22-20 winners following a dramatic comeback.
Renegades coach Bob Stoops said following the win: “We’ll build on [this victory].
“This was our first live action in the last five weeks, so you’re going to have some hiccups.
“But overall, it was pretty clean.”
WWE legend Johnson was in attendance at the premiere game and greeted fans before the game with an epic hype video.
Taking to the field in Choctaw Stadium, The Rock said: “When they told you the dream was over, here’s the truth your dream is just beginning.
“Because what you’re going to do, is you’re going to come out onto this field, and you’re going to line up and you’re going to show the world what it’s like to be truly hungry with that chip on your shoulder. I know because I’ve got that same chip.
“And we’re here because the X of the XFL represents the intersection of dreams and opportunity.
“You brought the dreams, we brought the opportunity. Now let’s get to the game that we all love and why we’re here to day.
“To all the players, coaches and fans, we say this with great gratitude and humility and a great excitement as we kick off our new season.
“XFL, let’s ball out baby.”
