Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani pause their week to week reviews for a very special Q&A episode. Attitudinals submitted their best questions, and Tommy delivers backstage insights from the peak of the wrestling boom.
We discuss the turning point of WWF creative feeling too corporate following Fully Loaded, the chaotic energy of the locker room, and the logistics behind the infamous Kennel from Hell match between Big Boss Man and Al Snow. Tommy also dives into the pressure of live television and how wrestlers change spots on the fly due to last minute time cuts.
Other major discussion points include:
- Drafting a 10 man fantasy roster in the year 2000 featuring Eddie Guerrero, Raven, and Kenta Kobashi.
- Reflecting on the greatest matches of all time, including Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13.
- Why the modern WWE product struggles to capture the magic of the late 90s for WWE fans.
- X-Pac getting legitimately angry over a segment involving Kane and a pool of pudding.
- The lost art of television announcing and why Jim Ross and Tony Schiavone were so effective.
0:00 Intro and Patreon Update
1:23 When did WWF start to lose its fun?
4:43 The impact of buying WCW and corporate management
6:14 What the Attitude Era actually felt like
9:39 Why modern WWE pacing and long entrances are frustrating
14:46 Why did the Attitude Era work so well?
17:11 Corporate synergy, Pat McAfee, and celebrity wrestlers
23:11 How the Netflix deal changes WWE's risk taking
24:48 Fantasy Booking: Poaching 10 wrestlers for a new promotion in 2000
30:35 The final 10 man roster is locked in
33:43 How much of the show was planned vs. called on the fly?
37:19 The frustration of live TV time cuts
39:53 Did Tommy Blacha maintain backstage friendships?
41:11 Peak Jim Ross and the lost art of play-by-play announcing
46:37 Tommy Blacha's all time favorite matches
50:34 A deep cut classic: Buddy Rogers vs. Pat O'Connor (1961)
56:34 Could the Attitude Era ever happen again?
58:28 How ECW planted the seeds for the Attitude Era
1:06:03 The best and most difficult talent to write for
1:08:14 Pitching Big Show's dad's funeral to Vince McMahon
1:11:14 The logistical nightmare of the Kennel from Hell match
1:19:19 X-Pac's legitimate backstage meltdown over pudding
1:21:26 Outro
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