Tales from the Attitude Era

Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani dive into the highly acclaimed July 2000 pay per view event from the Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas. This episode of Tales from the Attitude Era covers all the action from Fully Loaded, an event that perfectly highlights the transition of new main event stars stepping into the spotlight.We break down the intense triple main event, starting with the brutal Last Man Standing match between Triple H and Chris Jericho that left the ring covered in blood. The discussion then shifts to the WWF Championship match between The Rock and Chris Benoit, featuring Shane McMahon's interference and a controversial restart by Mick Foley. We also dissect the incredible Steel Cage match for the Intercontinental Championship, where Rikishi risked it all with a massive dive against Val Venis.Tommy Blacha provides fascinating backstage insight into how corporate analytics, buyrates, and the lack of competition from WCW began creating unnecessary tension within the WWF creative team.Other major discussion points include:- The Hardy Boyz and Lita taking on T&A and Trish Stratus in an exciting intergender tag team match.- Edge and Christian faking food poisoning before their title defense against The Acolytes.- Eddie Guerrero defending the European Championship against Perry Saturn.- The Undertaker getting swift revenge on Kurt Angle after weeks of sneak attacks.- Tazz making an impact in his match against Al Snow.0:00 Intro 2:54 Backstage Reaction to the Pay Per View Buyrate7:37 Corporate Analytics and the Loss of Creative Freedom18:03 The Triple Main Event Set Design19:41 The Hardy Boyz and Lita vs. T&A and Trish Stratus26:38 Tazz vs. Al Snow28:22 Eddie Guerrero vs. Perry Saturn for the European Championship31:22 Mick Foley Catches Christian Faking an Illness33:51 Edge and Christian vs. The Acolytes40:16 Val Venis vs. Rikishi for the Intercontinental Championship50:05 The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle52:26 Last Man Standing Match: Triple H vs. Chris Jericho59:14 Main Event: The Rock vs. Chris Benoit for the WWF Championship1:07:22 Outro

Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani are back to review the crucial "go-home" episode of SmackDown leading into Fully Loaded. Coming to you from the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, this show perfectly sets the stage for Sunday's pay per view. Kurt Angle takes his feud with the American Badass to a shocking new level by pouring a mysterious smoking chemical all over The Undertaker's motorcycle and attacking his knee with a giant wrench.Mick Foley kicks off the show in his hometown to declare that The Rock can lose the WWF Championship by disqualification against Chris Benoit. This perfectly plays into the chaotic main event tag team match featuring The Rock and Chris Jericho taking on Triple H and Chris Benoit, where The Rock completely loses his cool.Other major discussion points include:Tommy Blacha talking about the differences between booking weekly television and major pay per views.Perry Saturn delivering a brutal post match beatdown on Chyna.Edge and Christian outsmarting the APA during a wild bar room brawl.Steve Blackman retaining the Hardcore Championship against Al Snow with a surprise assist from Tazz.The Godfather cutting a passionate promo against Steven Richards and the Right to Censor.0:00 Intro and Summer of Sam Hollywood Rewrites3:00 TV vs. Pay Per View Booking Formulas12:00 Mick Foley Adds a Stipulation for The Rock17:00 Chris Jericho Wants in the Club20:00 Dean Malenko vs. Eddie Guerrero vs. Perry Saturn27:00 Just Joe Instigates the APA30:00 Kurt Angle vs. Kane32:00 Steve Blackman vs. Al Snow for the Hardcore Championship34:00 Triple H's Autograph Mind Games36:00 Rikishi and The Hardy Boyz vs. Val Venis and T&A38:00 Edge and Christian Hunker Down at the Bar40:00 The Godfather Confronts Right to Censor45:00 Kurt Angle Destroys The Undertaker's Motorcycle48:00 The APA Bar Brawl52:00 Main Event: The Rock Loses His Cool54:00 Running Down the Fully Loaded Card and OutroFollow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social mediahttp://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani rbreak down the July 17, 2000, episode of WWF RAW from the Pepsi Arena. We dive deep into arguably the most efficient (and longest!) opening segment in RAW history, featuring The Undertaker, Kane, Kurt Angle, and Triple H.Plus, we analyze The Rock’s brutal backstage assault on Chris Benoit, Edge, and Christian, the shifting character of Val Venis, and Chris Jericho’s desperate hunt for Triple H on the road to WWF Fully Loaded, this Sunday.Other major discussion points include:- Foley’s Return: How the Hardcore Legend directed traffic for a massive 24-minute opener.- Main Event Madness: The Brothers of Destruction take on the fragile alliance of Triple H and Kurt Angle.- The Rise of Benoit: The Rock sells like a champ to put the "Rabid Wolverine" on the map.- Tazz is Back: The mood changes as Tazz sets his sights on Al Snow.00:00 – Intro and "Albany" vs "Al-bany" jokes03:45 – Addressing PMFG11 and the "House Show" booking philosophy07:20 – ECW Heat Wave 2000 and the XPW "shoot" incident in Los Angeles12:15 – The Jerry Lawler sound effect is taking over Rob's life15:30 – Segment 1: Mick Foley returns as Commissioner and the "USA" chant19:45 – The Undertaker demands Kurt Angle; Kane shows up with a "fixed" voice24:10 – The Rock interrupts and the Shane McMahon/Chris Benoit alliance27:50 – The Hardys vs. The Dudley Boyz31:15 – Lita takes the big ladder/table bump from Trish Stratus35:40 – The Godfather and the "RTC" (Right to Censor) debut with Steven Richards39:10 – Bull Buchanan joins the cause; discussing the "censorship" era42:55 – Triple H, Stephanie, and the Kurt Angle "hug"46:20 – T&A vs. The APA & The Rock49:35 – The Rock goes "unhinged" backstage and cleans house52:10 – Dean Malenko, Chyna, and Eddie Guerrero’s romantic tension55:45 – Perry Saturn debuts the "Brainbuster to Tombstone" on the ramp58:30 – Main Event: The Undertaker & Kane vs. Triple H & Kurt Angle1:01:15 – Chris Jericho attacks; looking forward to Episode 100 and the Q&AFollow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social mediahttp://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani review a chaotic episode of SmackDown from Oakland, California. Vince McMahon is busy launching the Los Angeles Xtreme for the XFL, leaving the wrestlers to deliver a high-energy show for the WWE fans on the West Coast.The main event features a brutal No DQ match between Triple H and The Undertaker. Stephanie McMahon attempts to interfere, leading to a massive chokeslam tease before Triple H uses a steel chair to secure the win. Tommy Blacha provides backstage details on the addition of Michael Hayes to the writing team and the grueling travel schedule of the California loop.Other major discussion points include:- Steven Richards taking his Right to Censor crusade to the next level by stealing tables from The Dudley Boyz.- Steve Blackman showcasing his lethal martial arts skills by destroying Crash to retain the Hardcore Championship.- Chris Benoit defeating Eddie Guerrero and Chyna in a handicap match with an assist from Shane McMahon.- The Rock making an explosive run-in to save Eddie Guerrero and Chyna from a post-match beatdown.- Rikishi and Too Cool battling Val Venis and T&A in a six-man tag team match.0:00 Intro 1:25 Welcome to Oakland and the Bay Area3:15 The Los Angeles Xtreme XFL Press Conference6:30 Mick Foley's Absence and Main Event Announcement8:45 Match 1: Too Cool & Rikishi vs. T&A & Val Venis12:10 Triple H Addresses the DX Attack on Chris Jericho14:20 Kurt Angle's Hug and Triple H's Reaction16:45 Match 2: Kane vs. Kurt Angle20:15 Match 3: Steve Blackman vs. Crash for the Hardcore Championship23:40 Match 4: Kaientai vs. Chaz & D-Lo Brown25:30 Match 5: Bradshaw vs. Gangrel28:00 Match 6: The Dudley Boyz vs. Edge & Christian31:15 Steven Richards Steals the Tables35:40 Match 7: Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero & Chyna39:00 The Rock Makes the Save!42:15 Backstage News: Michael Hayes and the WWF Writing Staff46:50 Main Event: The Undertaker vs. Triple H in a No DQ Match51:20 OutroFollow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social mediahttp://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani take a trip to the "Shark Tank" in San Jose for a chaotic July 10, 2000, episode of Monday Night Raw. With Commissioner Mick Foley away on promotional duties in Asia, Degeneration X attempts to regain total control of the show. Meanwhile, one of the most hilariously disrespectful segments in Attitude Era history unfolds as Kurt Angle presents the Undertaker with an "energy-efficient" Vespa scooter.We break down the high-stakes main event between The Rock and Chris Benoit, which features a "Montreal-style" screwjob finish involving guest referee Shane McMahon. Tommy Blacha pulls back the curtain on the "mercurial mood" of Vince McMahon during the XFL expansion and the logistical nightmare of the California loop. We also discuss the infamous Bash at the Beach 2000 incident that occurred the night before, analyzing the Vince Russo vs. Hulk Hogan shoot and its impact on the wrestling world.Other major discussion points include:- The Undertaker’s hallway biker entrance and his rejection of the "gift" from Kurt Angle.- The Right to Censor officially shutting down matches and "protecting" Trish Stratus with towels.- Triple H’s "gym clothes" match against X-Pac and the brutal sledgehammer beatdown of Chris Jericho.- Edge & Christian defending the tag titles against The Acolytes in a match filled with ring-bell shenanigans.- The "West Coast Slog": Why fly-away shows often led to last-minute booking chaos.0:00 - Intro1:46 - Vince McMahon's hands-on management style off-camera5:32 - The XFL Hype9:10 - BASH AT THE BEACH 2000: Russo vs. Hogan and the screwjob15:40 - Missing Foley: Why the show reverted to heel dominance17:30 - Lita vs. Trish Stratus: The "Street Clothes" Street Fight19:10 - Shane McMahon & Chris Benoit: The "Just Friends" alliance21:50 - The dark side of Benoit's promos in retrospect23:05 - Mick Foley's "Google Earth" travel graphics23:25 - Match 1: Too Cool vs. T&A vs. The Hardys25:00 - Tazz’s "out of the cage" run-ins and status with the writers26:45 - Chris Jericho’s attacked by Road Dogg28:00 - THE VESPA INCIDENT: Kurt Angle’s gift to the Undertaker31:30 - Match 2: Kane vs. Rikishi vs. Val Venis (IC Title)35:00 - Triple H’s trap for Jericho: "The Hunter" vs. "The Game"38:30 - Match 3: Edge vs. Bradshaw (Stan Hansen level Lariats)41:40 - Match 4: Lita vs. Trish Stratus (The top-off ending)43:55 - RIGHT TO CENSOR: Steven Richards declares the contest over48:30 - Match 5: Triple H vs. X-Pac (The DX betrayal)50:30 - Sledgehammer Beatdown: Jericho's Crimson Mask53:15 - Backstage: Chyna's "Small Ice Pack" dig at Benoit55:50 - Triple H’s suggestion for the STD: Standing Torture Device57:10 - Main Event: The Rock vs. Chris Benoit 1:00:30 - The Shane McMahon Ref shirt reveal and Screwjob finish1:03:00 - Fly on the wall: Tommy’s dream to be at NWO Sold Out1:05:35 - OutroFollow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social mediahttp://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani are in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to recap a night of massive upsets and "soft reboots." The episode is headlined by a shocker as the Brooklyn Brawler pins Triple H in a handicap match after Chris Jericho provides a timely distraction.We break down the scary, legitimate injury sustained by Hardcore Holly during a stiff match with Kurt Angle, where a chaotic moonsault resulted in a broken arm for the "Big Shot." Tommy Blacha provides the backstage scoop on Taz’s "doghouse" status with management, the real-life logistics of the XFL launch, and why Vince McMahon reneged on his promise to give Mick Foley six months off. We also discuss the debut of the "Conchierto" and the emergence of Steven Richards as the moral authority of the Right to Censor.Other major discussion points include:- The Rock’s Hollywood absence and his world premiere of "It Doesn't Matter" on TRL.- Kurt Angle’s hilarious and accidental "milk" assault on the Undertaker’s motorcycle.- Val Venis shocking Rikishi to capture the Intercontinental Championship.- Steve Blackman reclaiming his killer instinct (and the Hardcore Title) with a nunchuck assault.- Tommy Blacha shares his original pitch for a "Split Belt" gimmick for the women's division.Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell!Follow Tales from the Attitude Era: Email: tftattitudera@gmail.com Instagram/TikTok/X: @TFTattitudeera0:00 - Intro 4:12 - Vince McMahon: The "Madman" at the helm5:32 - THE XFL HYPE12:16 - Bill Clinton and the 2000 political backdrop13:58 - Match 1: Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angle (Stephanie intervene)18:46 - Kurt Angle sprays milk on Undertaker’s bike21:50 - Why Foley returned from retirement early24:16 - Foley and Benoit Promo27:30 - Backstage: Triple H finds Angle’s milk disaster28:46 - Match 2: The Dudley Boyz vs. Lo-Down (Chaz & D-Lo Brown)31:32 - Match 3: Dean Malenko vs. Ivory & Jacqueline (Handicap Match)33:20 - THE BELT SPLIT GIMMICK: Tommy’s original pitch for the ladies36:06 - Match 4: Rikishi vs. Val Venis (Intercontinental Title Change)38:39 - Match 5: Steve Blackman vs. Big Boss Man (Hardcore Title)39:39 - Match 6: Undertaker & Kane vs. T&A (The Double Big Boot)40:32 - Who has the best Big Boot of all time? (The Bruiser Brody debate)41:52 - Match 7: Triple H vs. Kai En Tai & Brooklyn Brawler43:26 - THE UPSET: Brooklyn Brawler pins Triple H!45:25 - Jericho steals Triple H's limo to South Beach47:12 - Main Event: The Rock, Eddie & Chyna vs. Benoit, Edge & Christian50:38 - Sunday Night Heat: Al Snow vs. Essa Rios53:02 - Outro / Paul Bearer-Lawler impressionsFollow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social mediahttp://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani head to the landlocked city of Orlando, Florida, to recap the July 3, 2000, episode of Monday Night Raw. This episode is legendary for one of the most iconic comedic moments in Attitude Era history: Mick Foley using The Rock’s own catchphrase against him to deliver a massive "It doesn't matter how you feel!".We break down the "soft reboot" of the summer season as Foley settles into his role as Commissioner and begins stacking the deck against the McMahon-Helmsley Faction. Tommy Blacha shares behind-the-scenes stories about the relentless pace of the era, the transition of talent from WCW, and the lack of clean finishes. We also discuss the technical masterpiece of Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero and the legitimate heat generated by Kurt Angle’s "dirty" Orlando insults.Other major discussion points include:- Shane McMahon being named the surprise #1 Contender for the WWF Championship.- Rikishi shocking the world by defeating Chris Benoit for the Intercontinental Title.- The emergence of the Right to Censor as Steven Richards targets the Godfather’s ladies.- Tommy’s memories of his own failed wrestling promotion and the "bitter lessons" of the business.0:00 - Intro 0:53 - Welcome to Orlando: The Landlocked Disney Trap3:50 - The "Story Building" Episode: Why clean finishes were rare5:20 - Elevating the Next Generation: Jericho, Angle, and Benoit8:45 - Tommy’s "51/49" Mindset: The burnout of the relentless pace10:14 - Behind the Scenes: Foley's early return from retirement13:37 - Match 1: Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit 17:40 - The "Shades of Gray" Era: Why squash matches became passé24:10 - MICK FOLEY’S BIG MOMENT: "It doesn't matter how you feel!"31:15 - Match 2: Rikishi vs. Triple H (The "Swallows" Chant)34:00 - Backstage: Foley baits and switches Triple H36:00 - Match 3: Jeff Hardy vs. Val Venis (Taz Intervenes)39:00 - Rudy Giuliani at WWF New York41:00 - Match 4: Chris Jericho & The APA vs. DX (3-on-2 Handicap)44:00 - Edge & Christian’s 4th of July sucking up to the Undertaker47:15 - Match 5: Undertaker & Kane vs. Edge & Christian (The Last Ride)48:30 - Match 6: Dean Malenko vs. Crash Holly (The Pop-up Powerbomb)50:35 - RIGHT TO CENSOR: Steven Richards targets the Godfather53:15 - Match 7: The Dudley Boyz vs. Kurt Angle & Brooklyn Brawler56:30 - Steve Blackman vs. The Posse: Jackie Chan style beatdown58:50 - The USA vs. Viacom Lawsuit: The $500 million shift1:03:00 - Main Event: The Rock vs. Shane McMahon1:05:35 - Chris Benoit joins the Faction1:06:01 - Outro Follow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social mediahttp://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

This week on Tales from the Attitude Era, former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani are in Hartford for the post-King of the Ring fallout! With The Rock away in Hollywood, the show undergoes a "soft reboot" under the leadership of the brand-new Commissioner, Mick Foley.We break down the scary moment in the ring when Kurt Angle landed a chaotic moonsault directly on Hardcore Holly, resulting in a legitimate compound fracture to Holly's forearm. Tommy Blacha shares the backstage reaction to the injury and how it stalled a major singles push for the "Big Shot."We also witness the formal arrival of Steven Richards and the Right to Censor, as they target the Godfather’s "sexuality" and begin cleaning up the WWF. Plus, we discuss the "Boiler Room" office of Mick Foley and his instant chemistry with Edge and Christian.In this episode, we also discuss:- Steve Blackman ending the "shenanigans" of the Hardcore Title with a brutal nunchuck assault.- The Undertaker debuting his new finisher, The Last Ride.- The birth of ""D-Von, Get The Tables!"0:00 - Intro 0:43 - Welcome to Hartford and the "Soft Reboot" summer season1:15 - Where was The Rock? Hollywood meetings and 400 phone calls4:53 - Tommy’s "51/49" mindset: Should I stay or go to LA?8:07 - Commissioner Mick Foley: Changing the vibe of SmackDown11:57 - MICK FOLEY’S BOILER ROOM OFFICE: DIY leadership13:37 - Match 1: Guerrero & Rikishi vs. Benoit & Venis15:16 - The "Time to Dance" debate: Servicing the live crowd19:01 - Ratings pressure and the shift to quarter-hour analysis20:41 - Match 2: Kurt Angle vs. Hardcore Holly23:21 - THE BROKEN ARM: Behind the scenes of the Moonsault disaster27:58 - Mick Foley’s Hartford history and "Aerodynamic" haircut34:02 - Match 4: Bull Buchanan vs. The Godfather34:29 - THE BIRTH OF RIGHT TO CENSOR: Steven Richards intervenes39:16 - Match 5: Kane vs. Christian / The first "Conchairto"41:14 - Why Taz was in the "Doghouse" with WWF management43:39 - Match 6: Edge vs. Undertaker / Debut of THE LAST RIDE45:52 - Al Snow’s hard-luck spit take and Hardcore title hype47:15 - Match 7: Crash Holly vs. Al Snow (Hardcore Title)49:14 - STEVE BLACKMAN wins the Hardcore Championship50:35 - Blackman vs. The Mean Street Posse: A high-production beatdown54:25 - Main Event: DX vs. Chris Jericho and the Dudleys58:22 - Sunday Night Heat Recap 1:05:35 - Outro / Dean Malenko’s locker room humorFollow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social mediahttp://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani head to Worcester, Massachusetts, to recap the massive fallout from King of the Ring 2000! The landscape of the WWF shifts forever as Shawn Michaels steps down and introduces Mick Foley as the new WWF Commissioner. Tommy Blacha provides the backstage perspective on the decision to bring Foley back in an authority role and how a "face" commissioner completely changed the show's dynamic.We also break down Vince McMahon’s bizarre and narcissistic "Genetic Jackhammer" promo, where he attempts to write himself off the show to "make babies" with Linda McMahon. Tommy pulls back the curtain on the real-life USA Network legal battles and the growing pressure from sponsors to tone down the Attitude Era’s signature language.In this episode, we also discuss:- The Rock’s new world title reign and his "Billionaire's Elbow" mocking of the Chairman.- Kurt Angle’s official coronation as King and the legendary "adult man in a crown" mockery from Foley.- The beginning of the Right to Censor angle as Steven Richards covers up a "top-off" match involving The Kat and Terri.- Undertaker and Kane forming a dominant "Brothers of Destruction" alliance against Edge and Christian.- Tommy Blacha pays tribute to long-time WWF Director Kerwin Silfies following his passing.0:00 - Intro / The Mick Foley Reset0:53 - The "Gnarly" history of Worcester and the textile mills4:20 - Post-Pay-Per-View post-mortems: Handling reviews7:40 - Summer Reset: Pulling back the McMahons10:14 - The Rock vs. Vince promo14:10 - Rikishi vs. Chris Benoit / Taz makes a confusing return15:45 - Chris Jericho kisses "Roadkill" Stephanie McMahon17:40 - The Golden Age of Heel Crowns: Harley Race to Kurt Angle19:25 - Eddie Guerrero and Chyna vs. Val Venis and Trish Stratus20:50 - Kurt Angle’s "Commoner" perspective / Coronation prep23:10 - Shawn Michaels straddles the throne in Worcester25:55 - MICK FOLEY IS THE NEW COMMISSIONER28:30 - Foley mocks "King" Angle’s oversized crown31:00 - Oversaturation talk: Balancing 6 hours of WWF programming34:00 - Triple H cheap shots Kurt Angle35:10 - Lawler, Malenko, Terri, and The Kat: "Over the Top" rules37:55 - The Birth of Right to Censor: Steven Richards intervenes40:30 - Backstage: Why Stevie Richards didn't have an "epiphany"43:40 - Sponsor Pressure: Bleeping the "A-word" and the "H-word"44:45 - Edge & Christian vs. Mick Foley (The Sound of Music reference)47:45 - APA wins the Tag Team Battle Royal49:10 - Undertaker offers Kane tobacco chew (Locker Room Habits)50:30 - Undertaker & Kane vs. Edge & Christian53:15 - The Rock premieres "It Doesn't Matter" on TRL54:25 - Main Event: The Rock vs. Triple H vs. Kurt Angle57:55 - The Delaware Court decision: Moving to Viacom59:00 - Mike Piazza and the USA Today wrestling controversy1:01:10 - TRIBUTE: Remembering WWF Director Kerwin SilfiesFollow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social mediahttp://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra