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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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 media

http://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra 

http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeEra

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Tommy 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 media

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Tommy 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 media

http://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra 

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http://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeEra

http://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

Tommy 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 media

http://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra 

http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeEra

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http://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

Tommy 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 media

http://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra 

http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeEra

http://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeEra

http://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

Tommy 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 media

http://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra 

http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeEra

http://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeEra

http://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

Tommy 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Tales from the Attitude Era, Rob and former WWF writer Tommy break down the go-home episode of RAW is WAR from April 24, 2000, just six days before the epic Backlash pay-per-view!

The show is packed with final confrontations, including a verbal showdown where Chris Jericho delivers his infamous "lost her flower" line about Stephanie McMahon. This sets up a massive main event tag team match: The Rock & Chris Jericho vs. Triple H & Chris Benoit, which ends in absolute chaos.

We also dive into:

- Vince McMahon's return to TV to stir the pot between The Rock and his Backlash corner-man, Stone Cold Steve Austin.

- Trish Stratus's series of sultry, table-themed vignettes designed to manipulate Bubba Ray Dudley.

- Matt Hardy winning the Hardcore Championship in his home state of North Carolina.

- The backstage story of the WWF being sued by the USA Network over television rights.

- Kurt Angle's hilarious attempt to hire the APA to take out The Big Show.

Join us for a review of a wild and pivotal Raw that set the final stage for one of the Attitude Era's most beloved pay-per-views.

Follow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social media

http://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra 

http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeEra

http://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeEra

http://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

Tommy 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Tales from the Attitude Era, Rob and former WWF writer Tommy head to the heart of ECW country, Philadelphia, for the 4/20/2000 episode of SmackDown! The show features a fantasy champion vs. champion match, as WWF Champion Triple H takes on the reigning ECW Champion, Tazz!

With Backlash just around the corner, the main event sees The Rock and Chris Jericho go one-on-one in a Lumberjack Match, with the deck completely stacked against them by the McMahon-Helmsley faction. We break down the chaotic finish and the politics behind Jericho getting a pinfall victory over The Rock.

We also dive into:

- ECW's massive influence on the Attitude Era and why its success ultimately led to its downfall.

- The hilarious behind-the-scenes story of how the Crash Holly circus segment was created on the fly.

- The continued build for major Backlash feuds, including Kurt Angle vs. Big Show and Edge & Christian vs. DX.

- A loaded recap of Sunday Night Heat, which featured the official breakup of Head Cheese and a major angle between Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit.

- The blossoming (and awkward) flirtation between Stephanie McMahon and Kurt Angle.

Follow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social media

http://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra 

http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeEra

http://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeEra

http://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

Tommy 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Tales from the Attitude Era, Rob and former WWF writer Tommy dive into one of the most iconic and chaotic episodes in history: WWF RAW is WAR from April 17, 2000!

This is the night Chris Jericho shocked the world and pinned Triple H to become the WWF Champion... for a few minutes. Tommy shares the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how the match came together, including the fact that Jericho was on the verge of quitting the company just moments before being told he was winning the title.

The McMahon family drama also explodes as Linda McMahon makes a blockbuster announcement for Backlash: Stone Cold Steve Austin is returning to be in The Rock's corner! This leads to a wild segment where Linda slaps Stephanie, and Shane McMahon has to save his own mother from a Pedigree at the hands of Triple H.

We also dive into:

- Taz making a shocking appearance on Raw as the reigning ECW Champion.

- The convoluted and perfectly executed finish to the Jericho/Triple H match.

- Did Triple H bury Jericho's momentum by winning clean in the main event?

- Kurt Angle's hilarious abstinence crusade at the local mall.

- The ongoing saga between The Hardy Boyz, Lita, Eddie Guerrero, and Chyna.

Join us for a deep dive into an episode that injected a massive shot of adrenaline into the Attitude Era and created a moment fans still talk about over two decades later.

Follow Tales from The Attitude Era on all social media

http://youtube.com/@TFTAttitudeEra 

http://twitter.com/TFTAttitudeEra

http://instagram.com/TFTAttitudeEra

http://tiktok.com/@TFTAttitudeEra

Tommy 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.