Tales from the Attitude Era

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 and former WWF writer Tommy head to Richmond, VA – Earl Hebner's hometown – for the May 4, 2000 episode of SmackDown! Fresh off The Rock's historic WWF Title win at Backlash and a record-setting RAW, the McMahon-Helmsley regime stacks the deck once again.Vince McMahon forces The Rock to defend his newly won championship in a seemingly impossible main event: The Rock must team with referee Earl Hebner against Triple H, X-Pac, and Road Dogg. If either The Rock OR Hebner is pinned, The Rock loses the title! The episode follows Hebner's journey from referee to reluctant competitor, culminating in a chaotic, star-studded finale.We also dive into:Chris Jericho capturing the Intercontinental Championship from Chris Benoit under controversial circumstances involving Earl Hebner.The continuation of the Eddie Guerrero/Chyna vs. Essa Rios/Lita feud with an intergender tag match.The apparent breakup of The Radicals after Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn come to blows during a Hardcore Title defense involving Crash Holly.Stephanie McMahon confronting The Dudley Boyz about putting women through tables.Big Show debuting another questionable impersonation before seemingly turning face.Join us as we break down a fun, action-packed SmackDown that kept the post-Backlash momentum going strong, featuring great midcard wrestling and tons of Attitude Era chaos.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 dive into the chaotic aftermath of one of the greatest pay-per-views ever: the May 1, 2000, episode of WWF Monday Night RAW!It's The Rock's first night as the new WWF Champion, and the McMahon-Helmsley regime is already plotting to take the title back. A furious Vince McMahon books The Rock into a Steel Cage match against Shane McMahon for the championship! The episode features The Rock's iconic promo where he lays out the entire family with classic catchphrases, and a main event filled with interference, shenanigans, and a measure of revenge for Earl Hebner.We also dive into:- The full-blown heel turn of Edge & Christian as they begin their journey as obnoxious, meta-comedy villains.- A hot Baltimore crowd that serenaded Stephanie McMahon with the infamous ECW chant, "She's a crack whore."- The reunion of Too Cool as Grandmaster Sexay returns from injury to team with Scotty 2 Hotty.- Matt Hardy winning the Hardcore Championship after a wild brawl breaks out.- The continuing fallout from Backlash, with a beat-up Triple H and X-Pac seeking retribution.Join us as we break down an action-packed Raw that kept the momentum rolling from an incredible pay-per-view and set the stage for the road to Judgment Day.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 are joined by special guest, comedian and pro wrestler Peter Angelo (@metalpetecomedy), to review one of the greatest pay-per-views of the era: Backlash 2000!This is the epic culmination of the WrestleMania fallout, where The Rock finally gets his one-on-one match against Triple H for the WWF Championship. The main event explodes into chaos with interference from the entire McMahon family, Patterson & Brisco, and the monumental return of Stone Cold Steve Austin, who helps The Rock finally reclaim the gold.We also dive into:- The hilarious and unforgettable sight of The Big Show impersonating Hulk Hogan to face Kurt Angle.- The satisfying payoff to a month-long storyline as The Dudley Boyz finally put Trish Stratus through a table.- A technical wrestling classic for the Intercontinental Title between Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit.- A fantastic, star-making performance from Dean Malenko and Scotty 2 Hotty for the Light Heavyweight Championship.- Lita getting her revenge on Chyna by stripping her down to her bra and panties in the middle of the ring.Join us for a deep dive into a pay-per-view that delivered on all fronts, from incredible in-ring action to unforgettable Attitude Era moments.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.

Rob and former WWF writer Tommy review the final stop before Backlash: the April 27, 2000, episode of SmackDown! The entire show is built around one massive question: is Stone Cold Steve Austin really in the building?The McMahon-Helmsley faction spends the night on a frantic hunt for Austin, falling for a series of pranks and red herrings. It all leads to an explosive conclusion where Stone Cold makes his epic return via the TitanTron to destroy the DX Express with a crane, sending a final, destructive message to Triple H.We also dive into:- The shocking and seductive swerve in the Dudley Boyz vs. T&A feud, as Trish Stratus makes out with Bubba Ray Dudley to avoid going through a table.- Dean Malenko winning back the Light Heavyweight Championship from Scotty 2 Hotty.- Essa Rios scoring a major upset victory over European Champion Eddie Guerrero just days before their pay-per-view match.- A fantastic Hardcore Match between Matt and Jeff Hardy that ends with Crash Holly stealing back his title.- A debate on fan feedback: is the in-ring action the "worst part of wrestling?"Join us for a review of an action-packed go-home show that provided the perfect chaotic final build to one of the greatest pay-per-views of the era.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.