The XFL chose unusual names for its teams , most of which either referenced images of uncontrolled insanity ( Maniax , Rage , Xtreme , Demons ) or criminal activity ( Enforcers , Hitmen , Outlaws , and the Birmingham Blast ) . After outrage from Birmingham residents who noted that Birmingham had a history of notorious " blasts " , including the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963 and Eric Rudolph 's 1998 bombing of a local abortion clinic , the XFL changed the name of the Birmingham team to the more benign " Birmingham Thunderbolts " ( later shortened to " Bolts " )
16th Street Baptist Church bombing
16th Street Baptist Church bombing
XFL