Tales from the Attitude Era

This week on Tales from the Attitude Era, former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani head north to Vancouver for the May 29, 2000, episode of RAW is WAR! It’s a Memorial Day classic featuring one of the hottest (and most anti-American) crowds of the year.We break down the massive return of Kane, who interrupts a chaotic lumberjack brawl between The Rock, Undertaker, and the McMahon-Helmsley Faction. Plus, Too Cool shocks the world by defeating Edge & Christian for the Tag Team Titles with help from Kid Rock's hype man, Joe C!We also dive into:- Kurt Angle's legendary nuclear heat promo insulting Ben Johnson, the Grizzlies, and Canadian healthcare.- A discussion on WWE's history with Canadian customs and immigration lawyers.- The "Cold Spot" match that the crowd ignored to chant for "Puppies."- Chris Benoit vs. Hardcore Holly in an incredibly stiff bout.- The mystery of who is attacking Vince McMahon, Road Dogg, and Pat Patterson backstage.- The Kat returns to join The Godfather and Dean Malenko.Join us for a breakdown of a pivotal RAW on the road to King of the Ring 2000! Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell!0:00 - Intro 3:40 - Tommy's Story: WWE vs. Canadian Customs6:00 - Writing the King of the Ring Tournament (Pencil vs. Ink)11:00 - Undertaker's "American Badass" Entrance & Theme Music13:15 - McMahon-Helmsley Faction Promo / Undertaker & Rock Interrupt19:00 - Match 1: The Godfather, Dean Malenko & The Kat vs. Perry Saturn, D'Lo Brown & Terri24:44 - Edge & Christian meet Joe C 26:15 - Kurt Angle's Nuclear Heat Promo32:59 - Match 2: Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle (European Title)34:46 - Mystery Attacker Storyline: Road Dogg taken out35:47 - The "Short" 5-Second Pose36:16 - Match 3: Too Cool vs. Edge & Christian (Tag Team Titles)39:00 - TOO COOL WIN THE TITLES!41:03 - Was Joe C's Involvement "Annoying"? (Meltzer vs. Reality)43:00 - "Belt" vs. "Championship" / Forbidden Words44:30 - Vince McMahon Attacked / "Austin" Chants45:09 - Match 4: Rikishi vs. Shane McMahon (KOTR Qualifier)47:16 - Backstage: Stephanie, T&A, and Val Venis49:35 - Match 5: Chris Jericho & The Hardy Boyz vs. Val Venis, Test & Albert53:33 - Hardcore Holly & Chris Benoit Promo ("US Sucks" Chants)54:41 - Match 6: Chris Benoit vs. Hardcore Holly57:25 - Match 7: Bull Buchanan vs. Steve Blackman (The "Cold Spot")58:40 - The Crowd Ignores the Match for "Puppies"1:00:47 - Pat Patterson Attacked (The Coffee Spill)1:02:54 - Edge & Christian Stuff Joe C in a Trash Can1:03:37 - Main Event Segment: Rock & Undertaker vs. The Regime1:06:51 - KANE RETURNS!1:08:30 - Teasing a Fatal Four-Way?1:10:45 - Final Thoughts & OutroFollow 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 review the May 25, 2000, episode of SmackDown from Evansville, Indiana. The McMahon-Helmsley faction is running scared as The Undertaker returns to SmackDown on his motorcycle, chasing Vince, Shane, and Brisco throughout the arena!We also discuss Tommy's growing burnout during this period and his realization that he needed to make an "exit plan" from the chaotic world of WWF creative.Plus, we break down:- The Rock's hilarious segment where he whispers a "secret" to Vince McMahon before slapping him in the face.- Kurt Angle, Edge, and Christian delivering "Cheap Heat PLUS" by mocking Bobby Knight and the Indiana Pacers.- The official formation of Team Xtreme as the Hardy Boyz save Lita from a powerbomb by Essa Rios.- Chyna looking dominant in a Tag Team Title match against Edge & Christian.- Crash Holly continuing his feud with the APA, ruining their beer and paying the price.- A messy finish involving The Godfather, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn.Join us for another deep dive into the peak of the Attitude Era!Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell!0:00 - Intro1:18 - Tommy's Burnout: Why He Started Planning His Exit8:06 - Welcome to Evansville: The "Roberts Municipal Stadium"9:13 - Discussing Crowd Sweetening on SmackDown11:46 - Undertaker's Return Recap & Re-establishing His Dominance15:32 - The Undertaker Chases the McMahons with a Motorcycle!21:01 - Vince McMahon Confronts The Undertaker25:12 - Match 1: Eddie Guerrero & Chyna vs. Edge & Christian (Tag Titles)28:57 - Crash Holly Ruins the APA's Beer29:40 - Match 2: Faarooq vs. Crash Holly (Hardcore Match)30:18 - Match 3: Chris Jericho vs. Hardcore Holly vs. Val Venis (No. 1 Contender)34:52 - The Rock Slaps Vince McMahon!37:03 - Match 4: Matt Hardy vs. Essa Rios39:54 - The Hardyz Save Lita / Birth of Team Xtreme42:04 - Backstage: Triple H volunteers Shane to fight Undertaker42:47 - Match 5: The Dudley Boyz & Too Cool vs. T&A & DX48:11 - The "Too Cool" Dance Party (with The Dudleyz!)50:23 - Match 6: Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit52:06 - Match 7: Bull Buchanan vs. Al Snow53:48 - Backstage: Vince is Proud of Shane's "Grapefruits"54:19 - Match 8: The Undertaker vs. Shane McMahon55:36 - The Rock Returns to Help Undertaker!56:49 - Sunday Night Heat Recap: Dean Malenko & The Hoes59:23 - Final Thoughts & OutroFollow 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 review the May 22, 2000, episode of RAW is WAR from Indianapolis. It's the fallout from Judgment Day, and while Triple H is the new champion, The Rock is on a warpath!In a candid moment, Tommy reveals that this was the specific week he first considered quitting the WWF creative team due to burnout and the chaotic backstage environment. We discuss the mindset of the writing team during this period and how the "machine" kept rolling despite the lack of long-term planning.We also dive into:- The Rock's hilarious and violent assault on Vince McMahon, culminating in him smashing a trash can lid over Vince's head inside a limo.- The Raw debut of The American Badass Undertaker and his new biker persona.- Kurt Angle's hilarious "cheap heat" promo on the Indiana Pacers and Bobby Knight.- The odd pairing of Edge, Christian, and Kurt Angle forming a comedic heel alliance.- A controversial intergender match where Dean Malenko pins Chyna after a rose-based distraction.- Hardcore Holly delivering one of the stiffest chair shots of the era to Chris Benoit.Join us for a fascinating look behind the curtain at a pivotal time in WWF history, both on-screen and in the writer's room.0:00 - Intro / "The Day After Judgment Day"1:27 - Tommy Reveals: "I Think I'm Going to Leave Wrestling"5:03 - The Burnout of Writing for the Attitude Era13:20 - The Revolving Door of WWE Writers15:03 - RAW Recap Starts: No Recap Video?!21:56 - Vince McMahon's Opening Promo25:28 - The Rock DESTROYS Vince McMahon & His Limo!29:59 - Trish Stratus & T&A Promo31:50 - Match 1: The Hardy Boyz vs. T&A (w/ Trish Stratus)32:53 - Backstage: D'Lo Brown Returns & Wants TV Time36:55 - Match 2: Eddie Guerrero vs. D'Lo Brown (European Title)39:18 - The Rock Attacks DX Backstage39:36 - Kurt Angle, Edge & Christian Mock Indiana (Cheap Heat!)42:02 - The "Bobby Knight" 5-Second Pose42:21 - Match 3: Kurt Angle, Edge & Christian vs. Too Cool & Rikishi42:51 - Rikishi's Stink Face Hygiene Question45:18 - WWE in Business Week Magazine47:35 - Shane McMahon Arrives & Gets Attacked by The Rock49:22 - Match 4: Val Venis vs. Chris Benoit49:54 - Hardcore Holly KILLS Benoit with a Chair Shot52:19 - Chris Jericho Attacks Hardcore Holly52:43 - Match 5: The Dudley Boyz vs. Boss Man & Bull Buchanan53:34 - Crash Holly Demands a Refund from the APA54:43 - Match 6: Crash Holly vs. Bradshaw (Hardcore Match)55:07 - Triple H & The Rock Backstage Reveal55:38 - Shawn Michaels Denies Screwing The Rock56:34 - Essa Rios dumps Lita for The Godfather's Hoes57:28 - Match 7: The Godfather & Essa Rios vs. Dean Malenko & Perry Saturn58:43 - Lita Turns on Essa Rios!59:17 - Main Event Promo: The Rock vs. Triple H?1:01:25 - The Undertaker Returns on RAW!1:02:08 - The Rock Puts Triple H Through a Table1:03:52 - Final Thoughts: The "Hold Pattern" Era1:08:35 - Fan Feedback & OutroFollow 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 review one of the greatest pay-per-views of the year: Judgment Day 2000! The main event is a historic 60-Minute Iron Man Match between The Rock and Triple H for the WWF Championship, with the returning Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee.The night ends in absolute chaos with the shock return of The Undertaker, debuting his new "American Badass" persona! We break down the controversial finish that saw Triple H regain the title despite being decimated by the Deadman.We also dive into:- Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho in a brutal Submission Match for the Intercontinental Title.- Eddie Guerrero & Chyna taking on Dean Malenko & Perry Saturn for the European Championship.- Edge, Christian and Kurt Angle in an awesome opener against Too Cool and Rikishi.- Shane McMahon facing The Big Show in a Falls Count Anywhere match that features a massive cinder block spot.- Gerald Brisco's ongoing journey as Hardcore ChampionJoin us as we break down a near-perfect pay-per-view that featured incredible wrestling, massive returns, and peak Attitude Era storytelling.Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell!0:00 - Intro / "Dead Man Walking" 0:46 - Welcome to Tales from the Attitude Era (Judgment Day 2000) 1:14 - Debate: "Premium Live Event" vs. "Pay-Per-View" 3:08 - The Unique Format of Sunday Night Heat 7:14 - Louisville, KY: A Hot Wrestling Crowd (OVW Territory) 8:15 - Why the Iron Man Match Format Works So Well 12:08 - Intro Video & Backstage with the McMahon-Helmsley Faction 14:02 - Shawn Michaels Arrives in Short Shorts 14:25 - Match 1: Too Cool & Rikishi vs. Edge, Christian & Kurt Angle 17:40 - The Iconic "Jug Band" 5-Second Pose 21:17 - The Massive Pop for The Worm 22:45 - The Controversy of the Finish (Did Edge Kick Out?)25:21 - Backstage Interview: Is HBK Trustworthy? 28:00 - Match 2: Eddie Guerrero vs. Perry Saturn vs. Dean Malenko (European Title) 33:53 - Match 3: Shane McMahon vs. The Big Show (Falls Count Anywhere) 41:57 - Match 4: Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit (Submission Match for IC Title) 44:55 - Wrestlers Working While Sick (The Flu Game) 51:24 - Match 5: DX vs. The Dudley Boyz (Tables Match) 55:56 - Main Event: The Rock vs. Triple H (60-Minute Iron Man Match) 1:07:03 - THE UNDERTAKER RETURNS! (American Badass Debut) 1:13:21 - Was This The Best PPV of the Year? 1:16:49 - Final Thoughts & What's Next on RAW 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 head to Detroit for the May 18, 2000, episode of SmackDown! It's the final stop before Judgment Day, and the McMahon-Helmsley regime is pulling out all the stops with a main event stipulation that defies logic: a Lumberjack Handicap Tables Match featuring The Rock & The Dudley Boyz vs. DX & The McMahon-Helmsley Faction.Vince McMahon delivers a scathing promo about "inferior DNA," while Edge, Christian, and Kurt Angle generate nuclear heat in Detroit by mocking the Red Wings. We also see the apparent end of The Radicals as Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn come to blows, and Big Show returns to his "angry giant" persona.We also dive into:- Gerald Brisco defending "women's rights" after putting Bubba Ray Dudley through a table.- The Godfather showing off his surprising technical wrestling skills against Chris Benoit.- Chyna defeating Dean Malenko in an intergender match, further elevating her status.- A debate on the effectiveness of "cheap heat" in pro wrestling promos.- Crash Holly's continued saga as the sleep-deprived Hardcore Champion, protected by the APA.Join us as we break down a fun, fast-paced go-home show that set the stage for the Iron Man Match at Judgment Day.0:00 - Intro 0:57 - Welcome & Episode Overview (SmackDown 5/18/00)1:36 - Side Tangent: Retro Soviet Olympic Gear3:53 - Discussing the "Go-Home" Show Vibe4:53 - Match 1: The Dudley Boyz vs. T&A (w/ Shane & Brisco)8:52 - Gerald Brisco & Trish Stratus celebrate9:22 - Match 2: The Godfather vs. Chris Benoit12:02 - Benoit & Jericho set up their Submission Match12:54 - The McMahon-Helmsley "Faction" Promo18:15 - Vince announces the ridiculous Main Event stipulation22:07 - Crash Holly hires the APA for protection23:53 - Match 3: Kurt Angle vs. Scotty 2 Hotty25:11 - Fan Mail Debate: Does "Cheap Heat" work on TV?28:56 - Match 4: Dean Malenko vs. Chyna32:35 - Saturn interferes; The Radicals implode36:35 - The APA Bar Fight Vignette38:50 - Eddie & Chyna's chemistry40:32 - Match 5: Eddie Guerrero vs. Perry Saturn (European Title)44:21 - Joe C visits the APA (RIP Joe C)46:16 - Match 6: Big Show runs the Gauntlet (vs. T&A, Boss Man, etc.)52:18 - Gerald Brisco tiptoes through the APA office53:53 - Match 7: Crash Holly vs. Brisco & Patterson (Hardcore Title)55:24 - The Rock Promo: "Just Bring It!"56:56 - Main Event: The Rock & Dudley Boyz vs. DX & McMahons (Lumberjack Handicap Tables Match)1:00:07 - X-Pac puts himself through a table!1:01:42 - Final Thoughts & On to Judgment Day1:08:36 - 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 review the wild, go-home episode of RAW is WAR from May 15, 2000! The Rock makes his triumphant return from filming The Mummy Returns and immediately accepts Triple H's challenge for a 60-Minute Iron Man Match at Judgment Day.The show kicks off with the massive surprise return of Shawn Michaels, who resigns as commissioner and inserts himself as the special guest referee for the Judgment Day main event. Later, The Rock is forced into a Submission Match against Chris Benoit, which ends when Vince McMahon orders the timekeeper to ring the bell in a stunning "Montreal Screwjob" replay. The night ends with a massive brawl, culminating in The Rock putting Triple H through the announce table.We also dive into:- Tori getting her revenge by putting Bubba Ray Dudley through a table!- A Godfather's "Hoe" winning the Hardcore Championship... for a few seconds.- Big Show's continued hunt for Shane McMahon, which ends with Shane being thrown into the set.- The real-life heat between The Rock and Shawn Michaels.- Dean Malenko accidentally clotheslining Chyna, causing more friction among the Radicals.Join us as we break down an action-packed Raw that perfectly set the stage for one of the most anticipated main events of the year.Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell!0:00 - Intro / The Rock is Back!3:00 - The Surprise Return of Shawn Michaels!7:05 - Tommy's backstage perspective on HBK's return12:29 - Shawn Michaels' promo: Resigns as Commissioner14:15 - HBK named Special Guest Referee for Judgment Day16:35 - DX arrives, just misses HBK20:36 - Big Show is looking for Shane20:56 - Match 1: Dudley Boyz vs. Head Cheese (Al Snow & Steve Blackman)22:50 - Stephanie McMahon & Kurt Angle Promo26:25 - Match 2: Rikishi vs. Kurt Angle (w/ Edge & Christian)27:14 - Match 3: Godfather vs. Crash Holly (Hardcore Title)29:01 - A "Hoe" Wins the Hardcore Championship! 30:23 - McMahon-Helmsley Faction Promo31:47 - The Rock Returns to RAW!33:30 - The Real-Life Heat Between The Rock & Shawn Michaels35:40 - Discussing the 60-Minute Iron Man Match Stipulation39:15 - Match 4: Hardcore Holly vs. Chris Jericho (Hardcore Match)40:49 - Big Show Hunts for Shane in a Limo41:16 - Match 5: Big Show vs. T&A (w/ Shane, Trish & Brisco)44:25 - Shane gets thrown into the WWF.com sign44:52 - Match 6: Eddie Guerrero & Chyna vs. Dean Malenko & Perry Saturn47:04 - Chyna accidentally low-blows Eddie48:39 - Match 7: Edge & Christian vs. APA vs. The Hardy Boyz52:12 - Main Event Setup: The Rock vs. Chris Benoit (Submission Match)54:15 - The Montreal Screwjob 2.0: Vince screws The Rock55:55 - Post-Match Brawl: Rock puts Triple H Through a Table!57:47 - The Undertaker's Impending Return (Meltzer Notes)1:00:21 - Final Thoughts & Show Rating1:01:48 - Q&A Tease & OutroFollow 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 review the May 11, 2000, episode of SmackDown from New Haven, CT. With The Rock away filming The Mummy Returns, Vince McMahon takes center stage to deliver his iconic, scathing "Life Sucks (And Then You Die)" promo to the live audience.The McMahon-Helmsley regime books a chaotic night, culminating in one of the most absurd main events of the era: Rikishi & Too Cool vs. DX & Pat Patterson. The match features The Dudley Boyz getting revenge, and in a moment you have to see to believe, Rikishi shoves Patterson's infamous "skid mark" underwear right into Triple H's face!We also dive into:- Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho setting up their brutal Submission Match for Judgment Day.- The APA getting into a wild, pre-taped bar fight with Boss Man & Bull Buchanan.- Big Show finally turning face after being mocked one too many times by Shane McMahon.- The formation of a new heel alliance as Kurt Angle teams up with Edge & Christian.- The Dudley Boyz getting screwed by Shane McMahon and Gerald Brisco (who is fighting for "women's rights").Join us as we break down an episode filled with great midcard wrestling, iconic comedy, and major setup for Judgment Day.Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell!Follow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social mediahttp://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEraTommy Blacha made his name in Hollywood as a writer on Conan O'Brien, co-creator of Metalocalypse on Adult Swim, and a writer on shows like The Eric Andre Show and Da Ali G Show. But, a little-known fact about Tommy's career is that he was the head writer of WWE (WWF at the time)) during their most successful period, starting in 1999, taking over for Vince Russo, who left for the competition. This podcast, Tales from the Attitude Era will be a retrospective of Tommy's time in the head writer position and the roller coaster ride that is pro wrestling, co-hosted by Rob Pasbani.

This week on Tales from the Attitude Era, Rob Pasbani and former WWF writer Tommy Blacha break down the chaotic May 8, 2000 "kitchen sink" episode of RAW is WAR! With The Rock away filming The Mummy Returns, the McMahon-Helmsley regime turns its full attention to the new top babyface, Chris Jericho.Vince McMahon guarantees Jericho will lose his Intercontinental Championship and forces him to run a gauntlet against Kurt Angle, The Big Show, and Chris Benoit. The night culminates in a main event screwjob orchestrated by special referee Triple H.We also dive into:- Triple H officially challenging The Rock to a 60-Minute Iron Man Match at Judgment Day.- One of the most disgusting and iconic comedy moments in WWF history: Pat Patterson giving Rikishi a "skid mark" stink face.- Gerald Brisco getting his receipt from The Dudley Boyz in a hilarious 3-on-2 Tables Match.- Edge & Christian hiring the APA for protection, only for it to immediately backfire.- The formation of a new babyface alliance to combat the McMahon-Helmsley regime.Join us as we review an episode that perfectly showcases the Attitude Era's "smoke and mirrors" booking, blending high-stakes drama with unforgettable comedy.Follow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social mediahttp://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEraTommy Blacha made his name in Hollywood as a writer on Conan O'Brien, co-creator of Metalocalypse on Adult Swim, and a writer on shows like The Eric Andre Show and Da Ali G Show. But, a little-known fact about Tommy's career is that he was the head writer of WWE (WWF at the time)) during their most successful period, starting in 1999, taking over for Vince Russo, who left for the competition. This podcast, Tales from the Attitude Era will be a retrospective of Tommy's time in the head writer position and the roller coaster ride that is pro wrestling, co-hosted by Rob Pasbani.