This week on Tales from the Attitude Era, former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani head to St. Louis to recap the June 12, 2000, episode of RAW is WAR! This show is remembered for a legendary (and unintentional) high-stakes moment involving the Chairman himself.

We break down the chaotic Tables Match where a 54-year-old Vince McMahon took a frightening spill off the shoulders of Bubba Ray Dudley, falling from the top rope all the way to the arena floor. Tommy Blacha shares what it was like backstage watching the boss take such a dangerous bump and how the performers reacted in the moment.

We also dive into the beginning of one of the Attitude Era’s most entertaining dynamics: the subtle, quirky chemistry between Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon. From their accidental hallway bumps to that infamous celebratory hug, we discuss how this storyline sparked one of the biggest pushes in the company.

Other highlights include:

- Linda McMahon returns as CEO to school the faction, forcing The Rock, Undertaker, and Kane into an uneasy alliance.

- Triple H wins a grueling title defense against Chris Jericho.

- The McMahon-Helmsley faction’s psychological warfare as they unmask Kane in a dark locker room.

- Lita debuting her iconic Team Xtreme look while chasing Stephanie McMahon for the WWF Women’s Championship.

- Crash Holly finally reclaiming the Hardcore Championship from Gerald Brisco.

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0:00 - Intro

1:40 - St. Louis: A pay-per-view quality town

9:11 - The Rock, Triple H, and the "three-foot nose" promo

10:45 - Linda McMahon returns as the "Mom of the WWF"

14:10 - The "Attractive Janet Reno" line and the Delaware lawsuit

21:30 - Off-season booking and the road to SummerSlam

25:40 - Dean Malenko and the Godfather’s ladies

28:20 - Stephanie McMahon vs. Lita (WWF Women’s Championship)

31:40 - Kurt Angle & Stephanie McMahon’s subtle chemistry begins

34:10 - The serendipity of the Kurt/Stephanie hug

35:45 - The McMahon-Helmsley faction unmasks Kane

40:50 - Too Cool vs. T&A / Rikishi saves the day

42:50 - Match: Bubba & D-Von vs. Shane & Vince McMahon (Tables Match)

48:20 - Undertaker steals a sedan to chase Bull Buchanan

50:15 - Crash Holly vs. Gerald Brisco (Hardcore Championship)

51:40 - Triple H vs. Chris Jericho (WWF Championship)

58:40 - Kane vs. The Rock

1:05:20 - Final Thoughts: The freefall of WCW and Goldberg's heel turn

1:15:20 - Outro

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Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani dive into the June 8, 2000, episode of SmackDown from Buffalo! The road to King of the Ring features a chaotic main event and one of the most dangerous splashes in WWE history.

We break down Rikishi’s legendary splash off the 10-foot stage onto Val Venis, a move that still makes our knees hurt just watching it. We also witness a historic character shift for Lita, who debuts her signature "Whale Tail" look while getting robbed of the WWF Women’s Championship by Stephanie McMahon and a fast-counting Tori. Meanwhile, The Rock, Undertaker, and Kane are forced to team up against the McMahon-Helmsley faction. Accidental chair shots and internal friction threaten to destroy the alliance before the pay-per-view.

Tommy Blacha also pulls back the curtain on:

- The real-world pressure of the Parents Television Council (PTC) and Steve Allen trying to pull WWE advertising.

- Why Mosh (Chaz) was being "ignored" by The Rock backstage and the abandoned disgruntled worker storyline.

- Early impressions of a young Kurt Angle in dark matches and how one specific promo video made his career.

- Behind-the-scenes reality of "Sweeps Week" and why the network pressure didn't apply to the Attitude Era juggernaut.

- Chris Benoit and Jeff Hardy in a technical "work-rate" masterclass.

- Crash Holly’s continued parking lot brawls with Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson over the Hardcore Championship.

- The night Tommy saw Brock Lesnar in developmental and the frustration of the "need to know" basis in the writers' room.

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0:00 - Intro

1:40 - The "Number One Contender" trope

8:06 - Match 1: Chris Jericho vs. Test (KOTR Qualifier)

9:10 - The Rock ignores Chaz / Disgruntled worker storylines

13:33 - Lost WWF beauty pageant commercials

15:53 - Steve Allen and the PTC censorship battles

18:40 - The McMahons & DX celebrate / No Vince tonight

20:47 - The Rock brings "Payback Pie" to Buffalo

22:50 - The "American Badass" music license rabbit hole

26:26 - Undertaker vs. The Regime

28:18 - Match 2: Too Cool vs. Godfather & Dean Malenko

29:13 - Match 3: Chris Benoit vs. Jeff Hardy (Intercontinental Championship)

31:13 - Match 4: Edge & Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz

33:50 - The "Clean Pin" vs. "Clean Finish" Smart Mark debate

35:15 - Stephanie McMahon barges into the women’s locker room

36:16 - Kane confronts Undertaker: "I was enjoying it"

38:32 - Women’s Battle Royal

40:10 - Tommy on training vs. "Gaga" in the women's division

43:27 - Tori screws Lita / Stephanie retains the title

46:01 - Match 5: Matt Hardy vs. Eddie Guerrero (KOTR Qualifier)

47:45 - Val Venis & Trish Stratus promo

48:26 - Match 6: Val Venis vs. Rikishi

49:33 - RIKISHI SPLASH OFF THE STAGE!

53:25 - Main Event: Rock, Taker & Kane vs. Triple H & DX

54:41 - The MO of SmackDown: Feeling over Advancement

56:40 - Sunday Night Heat main event recap

57:07 - 2000 Headlines: Dwayne Johnson’s Hollywood breakout

1:01:03 - Dark Match talk: The Dups and a young Brock Lesnar

1:02:44 - The night Tommy saw Kurt Angle get over

1:08:23 - The frustration of the "Need to Know" basis in WWE

1:12:45 - Broken illusions: Why Tommy misses Kayfabe

1:15:26 - Final Thoughts & Outro

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This week on Tales from the Attitude Era, former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani recap the June 5, 2000, episode of RAW is WAR from the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, New York. The night begins with massive dissension in the McMahon-Helmsley faction as Triple H, Vince McMahon, and Shane McMahon engage in a family shoving match that results in everyone—including Stephanie McMahon—getting slapped.

A major talking point this week is how that "laborious" opening segment threw off the timing for the entire broadcast. Tommy Blacha provides unique insight into the backstage stress that occurs when segments run long, forcing the creative team and performers to truncate every single undercard match to fit the remaining time.

We also address the "bamboozle" regarding The Undertaker’s entrance music. While the network versions feature a generic theme, original recordings prove he was using Kid Rock’s "American Badass" from day one. Tommy Blacha shares a hilarious story about Kevin Dunn blasting the track on a private jet until everyone was sick of it.

Other highlights from this episode include:

The Rock, The Undertaker, and Kane battling in a high-stakes Triple Threat match for a title shot.

Rikishi delivering a devastating Stink Face to Trish Stratus.

- Too Cool defending their WWF Tag Team Championship against The Hardy Boyz.

- Crash Holly continuing his relentless quest to reclaim the Hardcore Championship.

- The Rock and Triple H closing the show with a pay-per-view quality television main event for the WWF Championship.

0:00 - Intro

1:35 - WWF legal battles & the move to Spike TV

3:55 - Rochester, NY: The "glitch" in the graphic

5:55 - The Undertaker’s real entrance music revealed

8:20 - Vince McMahon, Brisco, & Patterson arrive

10:50 - Opening Segment: Triple H vs. Vince vs. Shane dissension

11:25 - Deep Dive: How the long opening segment ruined the show’s timing

16:55 - The Rock interrupts / The family slap-fest

18:55 - Kane & The Undertaker demand title shots

21:00 - Why WWF gave away main events on free TV

25:40 - Match 1: Too Cool & Rikishi vs. Val Venis, Test & Albert

30:40 - Trish Stratus takes a Stink Face!

32:45 - Crash Holly’s backstage parking lot fail

33:25 - Match 2: Chris Benoit vs. Road Dogg (The impact of time cuts)

35:45 - Kane interview: "I don't have a brother"

36:45 - Gerald Brisco vs. Crash Holly (Hardcore Championship)

39:15 - Triple Threat Match: The Rock vs. Kane vs. The Undertaker

41:25 - Triple H interferes / The Rock earns the title shot

42:02 - Match 3: Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko (Truncated stories)

45:43 - KOTR Qualifier: Hardcore Holly vs. Faarooq

47:15 - 6-Man Tag: Dudley Boyz & Chris Jericho vs. Angle, Edge & Christian

50:10 - The Hardy Boyz vs. Boss Man & Bull Buchanan

52:15 - Stephanie McMahon announces a Women’s Battle Royal

56:40 - Main Event: Triple H vs. The Rock (WWF Championship)

1:02:25 - Final Thoughts: Burnout & the cycle of wrestling writing

1:12:45 - Inside Baseball: The reality of Kayfabe today

1:15:20 - Outro

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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 Customs

6:00 - Writing the King of the Ring Tournament (Pencil vs. Ink)

11:00 - Undertaker's "American Badass" Entrance & Theme Music

13:15 - McMahon-Helmsley Faction Promo / Undertaker & Rock Interrupt

19:00 - Match 1: The Godfather, Dean Malenko & The Kat vs. Perry Saturn, D'Lo Brown & Terri

24:44 - Edge & Christian meet Joe C

26:15 - Kurt Angle's Nuclear Heat Promo

32:59 - Match 2: Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle (European Title)

34:46 - Mystery Attacker Storyline: Road Dogg taken out

35:47 - The "Short" 5-Second Pose

36:16 - 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 Words

44:30 - Vince McMahon Attacked / "Austin" Chants

45:09 - Match 4: Rikishi vs. Shane McMahon (KOTR Qualifier)

47:16 - Backstage: Stephanie, T&A, and Val Venis

49:35 - Match 5: Chris Jericho & The Hardy Boyz vs. Val Venis, Test & Albert

53:33 - Hardcore Holly & Chris Benoit Promo ("US Sucks" Chants)

54:41 - Match 6: Chris Benoit vs. Hardcore Holly

57:25 - 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 Can

1:03:37 - Main Event Segment: Rock & Undertaker vs. The Regime

1:06:51 - KANE RETURNS!

1:08:30 - Teasing a Fatal Four-Way?

1:10:45 - Final Thoughts & Outro

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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 Customs

6:00 - Writing the King of the Ring Tournament (Pencil vs. Ink)

11:00 - Undertaker's "American Badass" Entrance & Theme Music

13:15 - McMahon-Helmsley Faction Promo / Undertaker & Rock Interrupt

19:00 - Match 1: The Godfather, Dean Malenko & The Kat vs. Perry Saturn, D'Lo Brown & Terri

24:44 - Edge & Christian meet Joe C

26:15 - Kurt Angle's Nuclear Heat Promo

32:59 - Match 2: Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle (European Title)

34:46 - Mystery Attacker Storyline: Road Dogg taken out

35:47 - The "Short" 5-Second Pose

36:16 - 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 Words

44:30 - Vince McMahon Attacked / "Austin" Chants

45:09 - Match 4: Rikishi vs. Shane McMahon (KOTR Qualifier)

47:16 - Backstage: Stephanie, T&A, and Val Venis

49:35 - Match 5: Chris Jericho & The Hardy Boyz vs. Val Venis, Test & Albert

53:33 - Hardcore Holly & Chris Benoit Promo ("US Sucks" Chants)

54:41 - Match 6: Chris Benoit vs. Hardcore Holly

57:25 - 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 Can

1:03:37 - Main Event Segment: Rock & Undertaker vs. The Regime

1:06:51 - KANE RETURNS!

1:08:30 - Teasing a Fatal Four-Way?

1:10:45 - Final Thoughts & Outro

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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!

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0:00 - Intro

1:18 - Tommy's Burnout: Why He Started Planning His Exit

8:06 - Welcome to Evansville: The "Roberts Municipal Stadium"

9:13 - Discussing Crowd Sweetening on SmackDown

11:46 - Undertaker's Return Recap & Re-establishing His Dominance

15:32 - The Undertaker Chases the McMahons with a Motorcycle!

21:01 - Vince McMahon Confronts The Undertaker

25:12 - Match 1: Eddie Guerrero & Chyna vs. Edge & Christian (Tag Titles)

28:57 - Crash Holly Ruins the APA's Beer

29:40 - 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 Rios

39:54 - The Hardyz Save Lita / Birth of Team Xtreme

42:04 - Backstage: Triple H volunteers Shane to fight Undertaker

42:47 - Match 5: The Dudley Boyz & Too Cool vs. T&A & DX

48:11 - The "Too Cool" Dance Party (with The Dudleyz!)

50:23 - Match 6: Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit

52:06 - Match 7: Bull Buchanan vs. Al Snow

53:48 - Backstage: Vince is Proud of Shane's "Grapefruits"

54:19 - Match 8: The Undertaker vs. Shane McMahon

55:36 - The Rock Returns to Help Undertaker!

56:49 - Sunday Night Heat Recap: Dean Malenko & The Hoes

59:23 - Final Thoughts & Outro

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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 Era

13:20 - The Revolving Door of WWE Writers

15:03 - RAW Recap Starts: No Recap Video?!

21:56 - Vince McMahon's Opening Promo

25:28 - The Rock DESTROYS Vince McMahon & His Limo!

29:59 - Trish Stratus & T&A Promo

31:50 - Match 1: The Hardy Boyz vs. T&A (w/ Trish Stratus)

32:53 - Backstage: D'Lo Brown Returns & Wants TV Time

36:55 - Match 2: Eddie Guerrero vs. D'Lo Brown (European Title)

39:18 - The Rock Attacks DX Backstage

39:36 - Kurt Angle, Edge & Christian Mock Indiana (Cheap Heat!)

42:02 - The "Bobby Knight" 5-Second Pose

42:21 - Match 3: Kurt Angle, Edge & Christian vs. Too Cool & Rikishi

42:51 - Rikishi's Stink Face Hygiene Question

45:18 - WWE in Business Week Magazine

47:35 - Shane McMahon Arrives & Gets Attacked by The Rock

49:22 - Match 4: Val Venis vs. Chris Benoit

49:54 - Hardcore Holly KILLS Benoit with a Chair Shot

52:19 - Chris Jericho Attacks Hardcore Holly

52:43 - Match 5: The Dudley Boyz vs. Boss Man & Bull Buchanan

53:34 - Crash Holly Demands a Refund from the APA

54:43 - Match 6: Crash Holly vs. Bradshaw (Hardcore Match)

55:07 - Triple H & The Rock Backstage Reveal

55:38 - Shawn Michaels Denies Screwing The Rock

56:34 - Essa Rios dumps Lita for The Godfather's Hoes

57:28 - Match 7: The Godfather & Essa Rios vs. Dean Malenko & Perry Saturn

58:43 - 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 Table

1:03:52 - Final Thoughts: The "Hold Pattern" Era

1:08:35 - Fan Feedback & Outro

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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 Champion

Join us as we break down a near-perfect pay-per-view that featured incredible wrestling, massive returns, and peak Attitude Era storytelling.

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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

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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 Gear

3:53 - Discussing the "Go-Home" Show Vibe

4:53 - Match 1: The Dudley Boyz vs. T&A (w/ Shane & Brisco)

8:52 - Gerald Brisco & Trish Stratus celebrate

9:22 - Match 2: The Godfather vs. Chris Benoit

12:02 - Benoit & Jericho set up their Submission Match

12:54 - The McMahon-Helmsley "Faction" Promo

18:15 - Vince announces the ridiculous Main Event stipulation

22:07 - Crash Holly hires the APA for protection

23:53 - Match 3: Kurt Angle vs. Scotty 2 Hotty

25:11 - Fan Mail Debate: Does "Cheap Heat" work on TV?

28:56 - Match 4: Dean Malenko vs. Chyna

32:35 - Saturn interferes; The Radicals implode

36:35 - The APA Bar Fight Vignette

38:50 - Eddie & Chyna's chemistry

40:32 - 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 office

53:53 - 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 Day

1:08:36 - Outro

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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.

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0:00 - Intro / The Rock is Back!

3:00 - The Surprise Return of Shawn Michaels!

7:05 - Tommy's backstage perspective on HBK's return

12:29 - Shawn Michaels' promo: Resigns as Commissioner

14:15 - HBK named Special Guest Referee for Judgment Day

16:35 - DX arrives, just misses HBK

20:36 - Big Show is looking for Shane

20:56 - Match 1: Dudley Boyz vs. Head Cheese (Al Snow & Steve Blackman)

22:50 - Stephanie McMahon & Kurt Angle Promo

26:25 - 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 Promo

31:47 - The Rock Returns to RAW!

33:30 - The Real-Life Heat Between The Rock & Shawn Michaels

35:40 - Discussing the 60-Minute Iron Man Match Stipulation

39:15 - Match 4: Hardcore Holly vs. Chris Jericho (Hardcore Match)

40:49 - Big Show Hunts for Shane in a Limo

41:16 - Match 5: Big Show vs. T&A (w/ Shane, Trish & Brisco)

44:25 - Shane gets thrown into the WWF.com sign

44:52 - Match 6: Eddie Guerrero & Chyna vs. Dean Malenko & Perry Saturn

47:04 - Chyna accidentally low-blows Eddie

48:39 - Match 7: Edge & Christian vs. APA vs. The Hardy Boyz

52:12 - Main Event Setup: The Rock vs. Chris Benoit (Submission Match)

54:15 - The Montreal Screwjob 2.0: Vince screws The Rock

55:55 - 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 Rating

1:01:48 - Q&A Tease & Outro

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