Tales from the Attitude Era

Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani review the chaotic July 24, 2000 episode of Raw, taking place just one night after the critically acclaimed Fully Loaded pay per view event.Tommy Blacha opens up about the shifting backstage culture in WWF during the summer of 2000, explaining how corporate analytics and the lack of competition from WCW led management to second guess successful creative decisions. The guys also discuss the stark contrast between the relentless pacing of the Attitude Era and the commercial heavy broadcasts of modern wrestling television.Inside the ring, Mick Foley establishes new rules to keep The Rock under control, while Shane McMahon and Big Show form a shocking new alliance to destroy The Undertaker. Chris Jericho hunts down Triple H for a backstage brawl, and The Hardy Boyz, Edge, Christian, and The Dudley Boyz tear the house down in a massive triple threat match for the Tag Team Championship.Other major discussion points include:- Perry Saturn capturing the European Championship in a triple threat match against Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko.- The Godfather losing to Bull Buchanan after interference from Steven Richards.- Lita taking the fight to Trish Stratus and Stephanie McMahon in a strap match.- The massive main event featuring The Rock and Kane taking on Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit.- An analysis of the record breaking cable television ratings drawn by this specific episode of Raw.0:00 Intro 2:43 The Pacing of Old Raw vs. Modern WWE7:37 Tommy Blacha Misses Raw for WWF New York Meetings8:58 Mick Foley Adds a DQ Stipulation for The Rock17:04 Road Dogg vs. Steve Blackman21:03 Discussing the Downfall of WCW Nitro24:42 Triple H Arrives Late and Smashes Flowers28:22 Shane McMahon and Stephanie McMahon Confront Lita29:54 The Godfather vs. Bull Buchanan38:32 The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle and Big Show's Heel Turn45:45 Chris Jericho and Triple H Brawl Backstage49:11 Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Taz52:55 The Hardy Boyz vs. Edge and Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz for the Tag Team Championship56:40 Lita vs. Trish Stratus in a Strap Match59:21 Main Event: The Rock and Kane vs. Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit1:02:24 The Massive Record Breaking Cable Ratings1:05:05 Backstage News: Big Show, Lilian Garcia, and TazFollow 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 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 Update1:23 When did WWF start to lose its fun?4:43 The impact of buying WCW and corporate management6:14 What the Attitude Era actually felt like9:39 Why modern WWE pacing and long entrances are frustrating14:46 Why did the Attitude Era work so well?17:11 Corporate synergy, Pat McAfee, and celebrity wrestlers23:11 How the Netflix deal changes WWE's risk taking24:48 Fantasy Booking: Poaching 10 wrestlers for a new promotion in 200030:35 The final 10 man roster is locked in33:43 How much of the show was planned vs. called on the fly?37:19 The frustration of live TV time cuts39:53 Did Tommy Blacha maintain backstage friendships?41:11 Peak Jim Ross and the lost art of play-by-play announcing46:37 Tommy Blacha's all time favorite matches50:34 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 Era1:06:03 The best and most difficult talent to write for1:08:14 Pitching Big Show's dad's funeral to Vince McMahon1:11:14 The logistical nightmare of the Kennel from Hell match1:19:19 X-Pac's legitimate backstage meltdown over pudding1:21:26 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 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