Tales from the Attitude Era

Lita wins the Women's Championship from Stephanie McMahon with The Rock as special guest referee in a main event! Tommy Blacha calls one of the greatest convoluted booked gaga matches of the Attitude Era. Tommy Blacha and Rob Pasbani break down the August 21, 2000 edition of WWF Monday Night Raw, live from the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana, six days before SummerSlam 2000.The show opens with The Rock cutting a Louisiana-specific promo before Mick Foley gives him the night off and announces two title matches for the evening: Shane McMahon vs. Steve Blackman for the Hardcore Championship and Stephanie's Women's Championship defense against Lita, with The Rock serving as special guest referee. In the chaotic main event, Triple H and Kurt Angle accompany Stephanie to ringside with the Hardy Boys in Lita's corner. At the decisive moment, Angle accidentally nails Triple H with a belt while trying to interfere, The Rock delivers a Rock Bottom to Angle, and Lita hits a moonsault on Stephanie to win the Women's Championship.Earlier in the night, Shane McMahon sneaks a kendo stick into the Hardcore title match and cracks Steve Blackman across the skull to steal the championship, only for Foley to immediately book him into a rematch at SummerSlam. In their tag match, Triple H pins Farooq for the win but conspicuously hangs back while Bradshaw drops Kurt Angle with a Clothesline from Hell, planting seeds of tension between the two allies heading into Sunday.Other major discussion points include:- Mick Foley adds a wrinkle to the IC title picture: if Eddie Guerrero or Chyna pins Val Venis or Trish Stratus in their tag match, they become the new Intercontinental Champion- Kane destroys Rikishi with three vicious chair shots before Right to Censor prevents Too Cool from making the save- Jerry Lawler hides behind a pile of equipment backstage and drops it on an unsuspecting Taz to get his revenge before sliding back out to commentary- Tommy reads from both the Wrestling Observer and the Pro Wrestling Torch on why Big Show was sent home, covering conditioning concerns, attitude, and a herniated disc- Kurt Angle tells Stephanie he's thinking of leaving the McMahon family; Stephanie begs him to stay in a scene Tommy credits to writer Brian Gewirtz- Steve Austin has been medically cleared and is expected back imminently---Just announced! Rob and Tommy announce the launch of their brand new Patreon featuring watch-alongs for classic matches. The first watch along includes Rock vs Hogan and Buddy Rogers vs. Pat O'Connor.Please subscribe at https://patreon.com/talesfromtheattitudeera---00:00 Intro03:25 The Observer and Torch Debate WWF's Booking Pace05:49 The Rock's Louisiana Promo09:47 Foley Gives The Rock the Night Off / SummerSlam Matches Announced14:32 Jerry Lawler Ambushes Taz Backstage15:22 The Hardy Boyz vs The Dudley Boyz / Edge & Christian on Commentary17:02 Val Venis & Trish Stratus vs Crash Holly & Ivory20:15 Foley Puts the Intercontinental Title on the Line in the Tag Match22:27 Kane Destroys Rikishi / Right to Censor Stops Too Cool23:15 The Dirt Sheets: What Really Happened to Big Show30:28 The Acolytes vs Kurt Angle & Triple H / Triple H Leaves Angle to the Wolves33:06 Right to Censor Promo / Foley's Shrimp Etouffee Bit / RTC vs Too Cool & Rikishi Set36:20 Shane's Mean Street Posse Scheme Backfires / Angle Threatens to Walk Out38:13 Chris Jericho vs Perry Saturn / Benoit Runs Down / Angle's Olympic Wrestling Lesson40:55 Steve Blackman vs Test (Hardcore 24/7) / Shane McMahon Wins the Hardcore Championship43:05 Shane's Hardcore Title Problem / Foley Books SummerSlam Rematch / Edge & Christian vs DX Set44:48 Edge & Christian vs DX for the Tag Team Championships46:11 Main Event: Lita vs Stephanie McMahon for the Women's Championship / The Rock as Special Guest Referee54:06 Was This the First Women's Main Event in Raw History?58:18 Steve Austin Cleared to Wrestle / Expected Back Soon

Mick Foley turns the McMahon family against itself with a Survivor-style vote to decide who faces The Rock. Tommy Blacha and Rob Pasbani break down the August 17, 2000 episode of WWF SmackDown, live from the Worcester Centrum in Worcester, Massachusetts, with SummerSlam just two weeks away.Shane, Triple H, Stephanie, and Kurt Angle open the show by declaring themselves a united family, but Foley quickly detonates it by replaying the footage of Kurt kissing Stephanie's cheek from Raw. Rather than pick The Rock's opponent himself, Foley forces the McMahon camp to vote among themselves — with Shane volunteering first before the group ultimately settles on Triple H. Angle storms off in a fury, telling Stephanie he feels voted off the island.Triple H gets the win in the main event only after Kurt Angle runs down with a chair and helps him double-team The Rock, giving The Rock his second pinfall loss in two shows heading into SummerSlam. Elsewhere, Trish Stratus grabs a water pitcher from the announcer's table and smashes it over Chyna's head during the Eddie Guerrero vs. Val Venis Intercontinental Championship match, setting up Trish and Val vs. Chyna and Eddie at SummerSlam.Other major discussion points include:- Rikishi gives Terri the Stink Face after The Cat recruits him as her partner in a mixed tag match against Perry Saturn and Terri, featuring a monkey flip in high heeled boots- Edge and Christian redefine TLC as Totally Lacking Coolness and teach Worcester the word hanosity, before losing to Jeff Hardy and D-Von Dudley in a match that sows dissension between the Hardys and the Dudleys- Chris Benoit defeats Steve Blackman in a Hardcore Championship match with Chris Jericho on commentary, leading to a candid discussion about how this footage ages given what Benoit would later do- Tommy Blacha explains why Kane was plugged into the Undertaker feud after Big Show was sent to OVW because management grew unhappy with him- Kane destroys X-Pac and Road Dogg, takes the mic, and announces he is a monster before brawling with Undertaker- Big Bossman refers to Kaientai as his Chinese buddies and then oriental buddies as they try to correct him, with Crash Holly and the APA picking up the win- A recap of Sunday Night Heat, including Dean Malenko retaining the Light Heavyweight Championship, a Jericho promo officially announcing his two-out-of-three falls match with Benoit at SummerSlam, Kurt Angle defeating Matt Hardy, and Stephanie McMahon attacking Lita to set up their Raw Women's Championship match---Just announced! Rob and Tommy announce the launch of their brand new Patreon featuring watch-alongs for classic matches. The first watch along includes Rock vs Hogan and Buddy Rogers vs. Pat O'Connor.Please subscribe at https://patreon.com/talesfromtheattitudeera---00:00 Intro 05:20 The McMahon Family Claims Unity13:57 Terri and The Kat17:15 Backstage: The McMahon Family Votes on Who Faces The Rock18:09 Kat & Rikishi vs. Perry Saturn & Terri22:07 Shane McMahon Volunteers to Face The Rock22:31 Eddie Guerrero vs. Val Venis (Intercontinental Championship)29:18 Stephanie Wants to Fight The Rock / SummerSlam Tag Match Set30:14 APA & Crash Holly vs. Big Bossman & Kaientai33:04 The Vote Is In: Triple H Chosen / Kurt Angle Walks Out33:27 Chris Benoit vs. Steve Blackman (Hardcore Championship) / Jericho on Commentary47:27 Kurt Angle Threatens to Quit the McMahon Family48:43 Edge & Christian vs. Jeff Hardy & D-Von Dudley50:17 Why Kane Got Plugged Into the Undertaker Feud52:40 Right to Censor Targets Rikishi's Rear End56:39 X-Pac & Road Dogg vs. Too Cool / Kane Declares "I Am a Monster"58:39 Kane and Undertaker Brawl / Main Event: Triple H vs. The Rock1:02:00 Heat RecapFollow 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 back in Providence, Rhode Island to review the August 14, 2000 episode of Raw. With SummerSlam less than two weeks away, the WWF hits the accelerator on all major storylines, delivering a truly iconic moment that changed wrestling history forever.Mick Foley interrupts a sit-in protest by Edge and Christian to drop a bombshell announcement: at SummerSlam, they will defend their tag team titles against The Hardy Boyz and The Dudley Boyz in the very first TLC match. "Tables, and ladders, and chairs, oh my!"The soap opera drama surrounding the world title picture also reaches a fever pitch. Kurt Angle compares himself to Nancy Kerrigan, steals a kiss from Stephanie McMahon, and forces Triple H to briefly put aside his jealousy to team up in a massive main event against The Rock and The Dudley Boyz. Plus, Kane shocks the WWE fans by betraying The Undertaker, chokeslamming him through the ring, and stealing his motorcycle!---Just announced! Rob and Tommy announce the launch of their brand new Patreon featuring watch-alongs for classic matches. The first watch along includes Rock vs Hogan and Buddy Rogers vs. Pat O'Connor.Please subscribe at https://patreon.com/talesfromtheattitudeera---Other highlights from the episode:Right to Censor defeats The Hardy Boyz and Lita in intergender action.The Acolytes get hired by Kaientai and end up destroying the Friendly Tap.Taz continues his vicious feud with Jerry Lawler after making quick work of Crash Holly.Tommy Blacha and Rob discuss the WWF courting voters at the DNC and RNC.0:00 Intro, Jumping Bomb Angels, and Patreon06:26 Kurt Angle Compares Himself to Nancy Kerrigan13:08 Mick Foley Books the Six-Man Tag Team Main Event15:13 Kaientai and The Acolytes Backstage16:20 Eddie Guerrero & Steve Blackman vs. T&A17:13 Kurt Angle Kisses Stephanie McMahon18:47 The Chef Boyardee SummerSlam Commercial & Slim Jims21:18 Triple H Confronts Stephanie McMahon23:20 Right to Censor vs. The Hardy Boyz & Lita27:19 The Acolytes and Kaientai at the Friendly Tap (Part 1)30:41 Edge & Christian's Protest and Mick Foley Invents TLC!38:46 Shane McMahon Gives Triple H a Pep Talk39:14 The Undertaker vs. Chris Benoit & Kane's Betrayal43:42 The WWF at the Democratic National Convention46:27 The Acolytes and Kaientai Destroy the Friendly Tap48:26 Jerry Lawler Attacks Taz50:46 Just Joe Approaches Kurt Angle51:19 X-Pac & Road Dogg vs. Rikishi53:49 Linda McMahon's DNC Voter Announcement54:01 Just Joe Approaches Triple H54:33 The WWF TV Guide Covers58:41 Chris Jericho vs. Val Venis1:01:49 Vince McMahon Returns in a Limo1:04:30 Main Event: The Rock & The Dudley Boyz vs. Triple H, Kurt Angle, & Shane McMahonFollow 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 the August 10, 2000 episode of SmackDown from the Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey. The road to SummerSlam takes a major turn when Mick Foley officially books Triple H, Kurt Angle, and The Rock in a massive Triple Threat match for the WWF Championship.---Just announced! Rob and Tommy announce the launch of their brand new Patreon featuring watch-alongs for classic matches. The first watch along includes Rock vs Hogan and Buddy Rogers vs. Pat O'Connor. Please subscribe at https://patreon.com/talesfromtheattitudeera---This episode is packed with wild backstage segments and memorable promos. The Rock delivers a legendary interview, assigning a hilarious new nickname to Kevin Kelly. Meanwhile, Just Joe is busy stirring the pot between Kurt Angle and Triple H, and Edge and Christian cross paths with the cast of the Highlander movie before getting ditched for the returning Gangrel.In the ring, the action is non-stop. Edge and Christian lay the groundwork for TLC during a chaotic tag team bout against The Dudley Boyz, X-Pac battles Rikishi, and Steve Blackman defends the Hardcore Championship against Albert. The night caps off with a colossal main event as The Rock and The Undertaker join forces against Triple H and Kurt Angle.Do not forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell!Follow Tales from the Attitude Era:Email: tftattitudera@gmail.comInstagram/TikTok/X: @TFTattitudeeraPatreon: patreon.com/talesfromtheattitudeera0:00 Intro and the New Patreon Launch4:54 Memories of the Continental Airlines Arena9:32 Mick Foley Books the SummerSlam Main Event14:52 Val Venis and Trish Stratus Confront Chyna15:58 Edge and Christian Meet the Highlander Cast and Gangrel17:21 Chris Jericho and Eddie Guerrero vs. Val Venis and Chris Benoit21:24 X-Pac vs. Rikishi27:30 Al Snow vs. Perry Saturn30:28 Edge and Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz34:07 Right to Censor vs. Too Cool36:06 Just Joe Approaches Kurt Angle37:21 Jerry Lawler Returns to Commentary37:41 Steve Blackman vs. Albert for the Hardcore Championship42:38 Just Joe Stirs the Pot with Triple H44:59 Chris Jericho Demands a Match at SummerSlam45:46 Victoria Speaks Out From the Hospital51:04 The Rock Mocks Kevin Kelly53:10 Main Event: The Rock and The Undertaker vs. Triple H and Kurt Angle56:33 Sunday Night Heat Recap 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 review the epic August 7, 2000, episode of Raw live from Madison Square Garden. WWF pulls out all the stops for the New York City crowd on the road to SummerSlam. The main event scene is on fire as Mick Foley books two massive matches: The Rock defending the WWF Championship against Chris Benoit in a No DQ match, and a Triple Threat Number One Contender match featuring Triple H, Kurt Angle, and Chris Jericho.The soap opera drama continues as Stephanie McMahon and Triple H attempt to reconcile, but Kurt Angle and Just Joe keep stirring the pot. The broadcast closes with a massive moment for the WWE fans when The Rock delivers a Rock Bottom to Stephanie McMahon!Other major discussion points include:- The Undertaker returning from his honeymoon to exact brutal revenge on Big Show.- The Goodfather cementing Right to Censor's dominance by powerbombing Victoria through a table.- Taz insulting Jim Ross and getting punched out by Jerry Lawler.- Chyna stepping into a six person tag team match to help Eddie Guerrero defeat Val Venis and T&A.- X-Pac using low blows to defeat Rikishi while Road Dogg interferes.0:00 Intro and the Magic of Madison Square Garden6:53 The Rock Challenges Chris Benoit12:23 X-Pac vs. Rikishi18:06 Right to Censor, The Protest, and The Goodfather's Brutal Powerbomb28:16 Eddie Guerrero, Chyna, and Too Cool vs. Val Venis and T&A34:36 Just Joe Stirs Up Trouble Between Kurt Angle and Triple H36:47 Stephanie McMahon Apologizes and Mick Foley Books the Main Events39:06 The Rock vs. Chris Benoit for the WWF Championship41:25 Taz Insults Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler46:53 The Undertaker Throws Big Show Off the Stage!50:29 Main Event: Triple H vs. Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho54:04 The Rock Rock Bottoms Everyone56:59 Outro and Final ThoughtsFollow 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 back to review an action packed episode of SmackDown from August 3, 2000 in Birmingham, Alabama.The soap opera drama surrounding the McMahon Helmsley era reaches new heights on the road to SummerSlam. Stephanie McMahon demands space from Triple H after the controversial ending to the previous Raw. Kurt Angle is more than happy to step in as a friend, leading to a massive six person main event where Stephanie McMahon secures the pinfall over Lita and celebrates in the arms of the Olympic gold medalist while Triple H watches in jealousy.Tommy Blacha also sheds light on the WWF infiltrating the political conventions and the push to get WWE fans registered to vote. Inside the ring, Big Show continues his path of destruction by chokeslamming Kane through the stage during a chaotic tag team match featuring The Rock and Chris Benoit.Other major discussion points include:- The Rock delivering a hilarious promo mocking Chris Benoit.- Edge and Christian laying the groundwork for TLC by delivering a con-chair-to to Jeff Hardy.- Right to Censor officially closing the APA's office for business.- X-Pac and Road Dogg picking up singles victories over Too Cool.- Steve Blackman retaining the Hardcore Championship against Perry Saturn with help from Al Snow.- A look back at a loaded episode of Sunday Night Heat featuring Eddie Guerrero, Chyna, Taz, and Val Venis.0:00 Intro and Memories of Birmingham6:56 Triple H and Trish Stratus Try to Apologize7:48 Scotty 2 Hotty vs. X-Pac13:00 Stephanie McMahon Needs Space and Kurt Angle Steps In14:22 Shane McMahon's New Alliance22:02 Eddie Guerrero and Rikishi vs. Val Venis and Taz26:46 Mick Foley Books the Main Event27:56 Matt Hardy vs. Edge and the Con-Chair-To30:06 The Rock Mocks Chris Benoit31:57 The Rock and Kane vs. Big Show and Chris Benoit34:55 Right to Censor Clears Out The Acolytes Office35:31 Steve Blackman vs. Perry Saturn for the Hardcore Championship36:47 The Acolytes vs. Right to Censor38:46 Road Dogg vs. Grandmaster Sexay41:10 The SummerSlam Commercial42:48 Main Event: Triple H, Kurt Angle, and Stephanie McMahon vs. The Dudley Boyz and Lita48:03 Michael Cole at the RNC and WWF Voter Turnout52:39 Sunday Night Heat Recap 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 are back to review the final Raw of July 2000 from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.This episode dives into the crossover between professional wrestling and mainstream pop culture, detailing The Rock appearing at the political conventions and the WWF launching a campaign to get WWE fans to register to vote. Inside the ring, the soap opera drama reaches a boiling point when Triple H tries to apologize to Stephanie McMahon, only to be caught in another compromising hammerlock position. The chaotic backstage segments culminate in Mick Foley booking a massive intergender tag team main event featuring The Rock and Lita taking on Triple H and Trish Stratus.Other major discussion points include:- The Acolytes interrupting a Right to Censor promo to fight for their rights.- Edge and Christian drawing massive heat by mocking the Atlanta Braves before battling The Hardy Boyz.- Steve Blackman and Al Snow uniting to ambush Road Dogg and X-Pac.- Taz taking a stink face during a hard hitting matchup against Rikishi.- Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit continuing their alliance in a tag team bout against The Dudley Boyz.- A beautiful on air tribute to legendary wrestling broadcaster Gordon Solie.0:00 Intro and the WWF at the 2000 Political Conventions8:29 Tribute to Gordon Solie11:51 Massive Ratings for Raw and Outdrawing Preseason Football21:26 Steve Blackman and Al Snow Attack DX23:53 Triple H Apologizes to Stephanie McMahon28:08 Mick Foley Fakes Tears and Books the Main Event31:14 Edge and Christian Mock the Atlanta Braves34:24 The Hardy Boyz vs. Edge and Christian36:22 Shane McMahon Coaches His Team39:02 Trish Stratus Apologizes to Stephanie McMahon40:52 Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit vs. The Dudley Boyz43:29 Triple H Shows Stephanie McMahon the Hammerlock44:41 Right to Censor Confronts The Acolytes48:03 Michael Cole at the RNC and the WWF Voter Block52:39 Rikishi vs. Taz1:02:54 Eddie Guerrero and Chyna vs. Perry Saturn and Val Venis1:05:02 Kane vs. Big Show1:06:02 Main Event: The Rock and Lita vs. Triple H and Trish StratusFollow 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 break down the final SmackDown of July 2000 from the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas. Coming off the momentum of Fully Loaded, this episode is packed with major storyline advancements as WWE builds towards SummerSlam.Mick Foley books a massive card for the Texas crowd, featuring a massive Tables Match pitting Edge, Christian, and Big Show against The Dudley Boyz and Kane. We also discuss the infamous backstage segment where Stephanie McMahon catches Triple H demonstrating a hammerlock on Trish Stratus, leading to a chaotic mixed tag team match involving Chris Jericho, Lita, and a substitute Chris Benoit.The Godfather shocks the wrestling world by abandoning his signature lifestyle to debut as The Goodfather alongside Steven Richards and the Right to Censor. Plus, Steve Blackman defends the Hardcore Championship against X-Pac in a weapon filled brawl.Other major discussion points include:- Big Show explaining his controversial decision to align with Shane McMahon and Kurt Angle.- Chaz and D-Lo Brown taking on The Hardy Boyz in tag team action.- Taz continuing his destructive path in a match against Grandmaster Sexay.- - Perry Saturn defending his newly won European Championship against Crash Holly.- The main event clash between The Rock and Kurt Angle.- A bonus breakdown of a stacked episode of Sunday Night Heat featuring Dean Malenko, Chyna, Eddie Guerrero, and Val Venis.0:00 Intro and the Freeman Coliseum Atmosphere5:32 Recapping Big Show's Turn at Fully Loaded6:46 Steve Blackman vs. X-Pac for the Hardcore Championship15:08 Mick Foley Books the Card and Big Show Explains Himself18:29 Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and the Mysterious Flowers19:14 Lo Down (Chaz and D-Lo Brown) vs. The Hardy Boyz22:48 Triple H Teaches Trish Stratus a Hammerlock23:36 Taz vs. Grandmaster Sexay27:50 Edge, Christian, and Big Show vs. The Dudley Boyz and Kane34:15 The Godfather Debuts as The Goodfather40:47 Mick Foley Replaces Triple H in the Mixed Tag Match41:30 Perry Saturn vs. Crash Holly for the European Championship43:55 Trish Stratus and Chris Benoit vs. Lita and Chris Jericho47:24 Main Event: The Rock vs. Kurt Angle49:46 Sunday Night Heat Recap and OutroFollow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social mediahttp://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeErahttp://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra