St. Louis Battlehawks. Titled “Ka-Kaw: The Rise of the Battlehawks”

Netflix Unleashes Long-Awaited Documentary on St. Louis Battlehawks: Titled “Ka-Kaw: The Rise of the Battlehawks”

A Deep Dive into XFL’s Most Passionate Fanbase

After months of anticipation and speculation, Netflix has officially released its much-anticipated sports documentary centered on one of the XFL’s most beloved teams—the St. Louis Battlehawks. Titled “Ka-Kaw: The Rise of the Battlehawks”, the new documentary is now streaming worldwide, offering fans an inside look at the team that reignited the football spirit in St. Louis.

The Battlehawks, a franchise born in the XFL’s 2020 revival, quickly captured the hearts of fans across the region. With a loyal fanbase and impressive ticket sales, the team proved that football in St. Louis wasn’t just alive—it was thriving. Now, with Netflix’s cinematic treatment, viewers can experience the behind-the-scenes magic, heartbreak, and triumph of this underdog story.

Directed by acclaimed sports documentarian Rachel Mendez, “Ka-Kaw” spans the team’s formation, sudden rise, the heartbreaking COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, and their resurgence in the XFL’s third iteration under new ownership in 2023. Mendez, known for her work on “Underdogs: The UFL Story” and “Friday Night Lights: The Real Playmakers,” takes a raw and emotional approach, weaving personal player stories with the larger narrative of a city’s redemption.

“We wanted to do more than just tell a football story,” Mendez explains. “This is a story about resilience—of a city, of athletes, of fans who never gave up on the game they love.”

The documentary features exclusive interviews with players, coaches, front office personnel, and die-hard fans who helped define the Battlehawks’ culture. Notably, quarterback A.J. McCarron plays a central role, offering insight into his journey from the NFL to leading the Battlehawks, and the personal reasons that drove his return to the field.

“You could just feel the energy in The Dome,” McCarron says in the film, referencing the team’s electric home games at The Dome at America’s Center. “It wasn’t just football. It was something spiritual. St. Louis gave us everything, and we gave it right back.”

The film also delves into the unique identity of Battlehawks fans, affectionately known as the “Ka-Kaw Nation.” Packed crowds, inventive tailgating traditions, and passionate chants created one of the most unique and devoted fan environments in modern pro football—especially remarkable given the team’s short lifespan in 2020. Netflix captures all of this in stunning detail, from slow-motion field shots to intimate locker room moments, bringing viewers as close to the action—and emotion—as possible.

Beyond the team itself, “Ka-Kaw: The Rise of the Battlehawks” is a broader reflection on the role of alternative football leagues in American sports. It explores the hurdles faced by the XFL, the challenges of league sustainability, and how the Battlehawks became a beacon of hope and legitimacy for the league.

Critics and fans alike are already praising the film for its honesty, pacing, and emotional weight. ESPN’s Carter Riggins called it “a beautifully filmed love letter to a city that never stopped believing in football,” while fan reviews on social media have been overwhelmingly positive.

The release of the documentary also comes at a pivotal time, as the XFL and USFL work toward consolidation and growth. With renewed interest in spring football and the Battlehawks still front and center, Netflix’s documentary could not have been timed better.

Whether you’re a lifelong football fanatic or a newcomer curious about the rise of the XFL, “Ka-Kaw: The Rise of the Battlehawks” delivers a gripping, emotional, and inspiring watch.

The full documentary is now available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.