Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani head to the landlocked city of Orlando, Florida, to recap the July 3, 2000, episode of Monday Night Raw. This episode is legendary for one of the most iconic comedic moments in Attitude Era history: Mick Foley using The Rock’s own catchphrase against him to deliver a massive "It doesn't matter how you feel!".

We break down the "soft reboot" of the summer season as Foley settles into his role as Commissioner and begins stacking the deck against the McMahon-Helmsley Faction. Tommy Blacha shares behind-the-scenes stories about the relentless pace of the era, the transition of talent from WCW, and the lack of clean finishes. We also discuss the technical masterpiece of Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero and the legitimate heat generated by Kurt Angle’s "dirty" Orlando insults.

Other major discussion points include:

- Shane McMahon being named the surprise #1 Contender for the WWF Championship.

- Rikishi shocking the world by defeating Chris Benoit for the Intercontinental Title.

- The emergence of the Right to Censor as Steven Richards targets the Godfather’s ladies.

- Tommy’s memories of his own failed wrestling promotion and the "bitter lessons" of the business.

0:00 - Intro

0:53 - Welcome to Orlando: The Landlocked Disney Trap

3:50 - The "Story Building" Episode: Why clean finishes were rare

5:20 - Elevating the Next Generation: Jericho, Angle, and Benoit

8:45 - Tommy’s "51/49" Mindset: The burnout of the relentless pace

10:14 - Behind the Scenes: Foley's early return from retirement

13:37 - Match 1: Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit

17:40 - The "Shades of Gray" Era: Why squash matches became passé

24:10 - MICK FOLEY’S BIG MOMENT: "It doesn't matter how you feel!"

31:15 - Match 2: Rikishi vs. Triple H (The "Swallows" Chant)

34:00 - Backstage: Foley baits and switches Triple H

36:00 - Match 3: Jeff Hardy vs. Val Venis (Taz Intervenes)

39:00 - Rudy Giuliani at WWF New York

41:00 - Match 4: Chris Jericho & The APA vs. DX (3-on-2 Handicap)

44:00 - Edge & Christian’s 4th of July sucking up to the Undertaker

47:15 - Match 5: Undertaker & Kane vs. Edge & Christian (The Last Ride)

48:30 - Match 6: Dean Malenko vs. Crash Holly (The Pop-up Powerbomb)

50:35 - RIGHT TO CENSOR: Steven Richards targets the Godfather

53:15 - Match 7: The Dudley Boyz vs. Kurt Angle & Brooklyn Brawler

56:30 - Steve Blackman vs. The Posse: Jackie Chan style beatdown

58:50 - The USA vs. Viacom Lawsuit: The $500 million shift

1:03:00 - Main Event: The Rock vs. Shane McMahon

1:05:35 - Chris Benoit joins the Faction

1:06:01 - Outro

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

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

This week on Tales from the Attitude Era, former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani are in Hartford for the post-King of the Ring fallout! With The Rock away in Hollywood, the show undergoes a "soft reboot" under the leadership of the brand-new Commissioner, Mick Foley.

We break down the scary moment in the ring when Kurt Angle landed a chaotic moonsault directly on Hardcore Holly, resulting in a legitimate compound fracture to Holly's forearm. Tommy Blacha shares the backstage reaction to the injury and how it stalled a major singles push for the "Big Shot."

We also witness the formal arrival of Steven Richards and the Right to Censor, as they target the Godfather’s "sexuality" and begin cleaning up the WWF. Plus, we discuss the "Boiler Room" office of Mick Foley and his instant chemistry with Edge and Christian.

In this episode, we also discuss:

- Steve Blackman ending the "shenanigans" of the Hardcore Title with a brutal nunchuck assault.

- The Undertaker debuting his new finisher, The Last Ride.

- The birth of ""D-Von, Get The Tables!"

0:00 - Intro

0:43 - Welcome to Hartford and the "Soft Reboot" summer season

1:15 - Where was The Rock? Hollywood meetings and 400 phone calls

4:53 - Tommy’s "51/49" mindset: Should I stay or go to LA?

8:07 - Commissioner Mick Foley: Changing the vibe of SmackDown

11:57 - MICK FOLEY’S BOILER ROOM OFFICE: DIY leadership

13:37 - Match 1: Guerrero & Rikishi vs. Benoit & Venis

15:16 - The "Time to Dance" debate: Servicing the live crowd

19:01 - Ratings pressure and the shift to quarter-hour analysis

20:41 - Match 2: Kurt Angle vs. Hardcore Holly

23:21 - THE BROKEN ARM: Behind the scenes of the Moonsault disaster

27:58 - Mick Foley’s Hartford history and "Aerodynamic" haircut

34:02 - Match 4: Bull Buchanan vs. The Godfather

34:29 - THE BIRTH OF RIGHT TO CENSOR: Steven Richards intervenes

39:16 - Match 5: Kane vs. Christian / The first "Conchairto"

41:14 - Why Taz was in the "Doghouse" with WWF management

43:39 - Match 6: Edge vs. Undertaker / Debut of THE LAST RIDE

45:52 - Al Snow’s hard-luck spit take and Hardcore title hype

47:15 - Match 7: Crash Holly vs. Al Snow (Hardcore Title)

49:14 - STEVE BLACKMAN wins the Hardcore Championship

50:35 - Blackman vs. The Mean Street Posse: A high-production beatdown

54:25 - Main Event: DX vs. Chris Jericho and the Dudleys

58:22 - Sunday Night Heat Recap

1:05:35 - Outro / Dean Malenko’s locker room humor

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

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

Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani head to Worcester, Massachusetts, to recap the massive fallout from King of the Ring 2000! The landscape of the WWF shifts forever as Shawn Michaels steps down and introduces Mick Foley as the new WWF Commissioner. Tommy Blacha provides the backstage perspective on the decision to bring Foley back in an authority role and how a "face" commissioner completely changed the show's dynamic.

We also break down Vince McMahon’s bizarre and narcissistic "Genetic Jackhammer" promo, where he attempts to write himself off the show to "make babies" with Linda McMahon. Tommy pulls back the curtain on the real-life USA Network legal battles and the growing pressure from sponsors to tone down the Attitude Era’s signature language.

In this episode, we also discuss:

- The Rock’s new world title reign and his "Billionaire's Elbow" mocking of the Chairman.

- Kurt Angle’s official coronation as King and the legendary "adult man in a crown" mockery from Foley.

- The beginning of the Right to Censor angle as Steven Richards covers up a "top-off" match involving The Kat and Terri.

- Undertaker and Kane forming a dominant "Brothers of Destruction" alliance against Edge and Christian.

- Tommy Blacha pays tribute to long-time WWF Director Kerwin Silfies following his passing.

0:00 - Intro / The Mick Foley Reset

0:53 - The "Gnarly" history of Worcester and the textile mills

4:20 - Post-Pay-Per-View post-mortems: Handling reviews

7:40 - Summer Reset: Pulling back the McMahons

10:14 - The Rock vs. Vince promo

14:10 - Rikishi vs. Chris Benoit / Taz makes a confusing return

15:45 - Chris Jericho kisses "Roadkill" Stephanie McMahon

17:40 - The Golden Age of Heel Crowns: Harley Race to Kurt Angle

19:25 - Eddie Guerrero and Chyna vs. Val Venis and Trish Stratus

20:50 - Kurt Angle’s "Commoner" perspective / Coronation prep

23:10 - Shawn Michaels straddles the throne in Worcester

25:55 - MICK FOLEY IS THE NEW COMMISSIONER

28:30 - Foley mocks "King" Angle’s oversized crown

31:00 - Oversaturation talk: Balancing 6 hours of WWF programming

34:00 - Triple H cheap shots Kurt Angle

35:10 - Lawler, Malenko, Terri, and The Kat: "Over the Top" rules

37:55 - The Birth of Right to Censor: Steven Richards intervenes

40:30 - Backstage: Why Stevie Richards didn't have an "epiphany"

43:40 - Sponsor Pressure: Bleeping the "A-word" and the "H-word"

44:45 - Edge & Christian vs. Mick Foley (The Sound of Music reference)

47:45 - APA wins the Tag Team Battle Royal

49:10 - Undertaker offers Kane tobacco chew (Locker Room Habits)

50:30 - Undertaker & Kane vs. Edge & Christian

53:15 - The Rock premieres "It Doesn't Matter" on TRL

54:25 - Main Event: The Rock vs. Triple H vs. Kurt Angle

57:55 - The Delaware Court decision: Moving to Viacom

59:00 - Mike Piazza and the USA Today wrestling controversy

1:01:10 - TRIBUTE: Remembering WWF Director Kerwin Silfies

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

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

On this episode of Tales from the Attitude Era, former WWE writer Tommy Blacha and Rob Pasbani recap WWF King of the Ring 2000 from the Fleet Center in Boston. The guys discuss the marathon weekend that started with a house show at Madison Square Garden featuring a surprise appearance by Donald Trump and Melania Trump. Tommy Blacha shares what the atmosphere was like backstage during the peak of the Attitude Era and why the "home court" advantage of the Garden always brought out the best in the roster.

The discussion dives deep into the tournament bracket that saw Kurt Angle ascend to the throne after a series of competitive matches against Chris Jericho and Rikishi. We break down the logic behind the early exits of Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero, and why the creative team chose a story-heavy path for the finals. Plus, we look at the polarizing main event where The Rock captured the WWF Championship by pinning Vince McMahon, and whether that finish helped or hurt the title's prestige in the long run.

In this episode, we also discuss:

- The logic behind the changing format of Sunday Night Heat.

- The infamous Pat Patterson vs. Gerald Brisco evening gown match for the Hardcore Championship.

- Edge and Christian trolling the Boston crowd with a New York Mets jersey.

- Tori taking a massive powerbomb through a table at the hands of the Dudley Boyz.

- Rikishi’s incredible performance as the "beaten down" underdog of the tournament.

- Tommy Blacha’s response to Dave Meltzer’s 1.75-star rating of the main event.

0:00 - Intro

1:10 - Memories of Donald Trump at the Garden House Show

3:30 - House Shows vs. TV Tapings

7:40 - Sunday Night Heat’s Changing Format

10:40 - The Fast Pace of the Tournament Quarterfinals

12:30 - Could a Round-Robin Tournament Work in WWE?

17:20 - Rikishi vs. Chris Benoit: Building the Underdog Story

20:00 - Val Venis vs. Eddie Guerrero: A Rare Clean Finish

23:20 - Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco Prep for Drag

27:40 - Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho: The Best Match of the Night?

30:00 - Edge and Christian Mock Boston with the Mets Jersey

32:45 - Four-Way Tag Team Elimination Match Breakdown

38:00 - The Semi-Finals: Rikishi Perseveres

43:20 - The Infamous Patterson vs. Brisco Evening Gown Match

50:20 - Dudley Boyz vs. DX: Tables, Dumpsters, and Tori

57:50 - The Finals: Kurt Angle is Crowned King

1:00:00 - Main Event: The Rock Pins Vince McMahon for the Title

1:01:30 - Analyzing Dave Meltzer’s Harsh Review of the Finish

1:08:40 - Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead to Raw

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

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

Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani are in Memphis at the Pyramid Arena to recap the final stop before King of the Ring 2000. The emotional center of the night features hometown hero Jerry Lawler leaving the announce table to join a mixed tag match and save The Kat from a two on one assault by Dean Malenko and Terry.

We discuss the massive pop for the King and Tommy Blacha provides the backstage scoop on the real life relationship between Lawler and The Kat that fueled the segment. We also break down the chaotic main event where Vince McMahon pinned The Rock after a mocking billionaire’s elbow. 

We dive into the chaotic Hardcore Championship shifts as Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson trade the title using pipes and champagne bottles in the locker room.. Tommy Blacha provides the backstage scoop on the "bureaucracy of the fax machine" , the reality of filming segments on the fly, and the surprising history of the USA Network match-refusal lawsuits.. We also discuss why the McMahon-Helmsley Faction was reaching "steak and potatoes" fatigue and how the roster's incredible technical ability saved a show filled with questionable booking.

We also talk about:

• The Rock’s promo referencing Albert and a "pierced anus".
• The Dudley Boyz putting announcer Tony Chimel through a table after a series of mic failures.
• Lita and Trish Stratus taking their mixed-gender rivalry to new heights with a Swanton Bomb/moonsault combination.
• Jerry Lee Lewis in the front row and the historical context of Vince McMahon's future "Great Balls of Fire" legal battles.

0:00 - Intro

4:13 - The McMahon-Helmsley Faction & Main Event Fatigue

6:55 - Setting the Bait-and-Switch

10:04 - WWF.com and Early Internet Wrestling Culture

14:34 - Mixed Gender Tag: The Hardies & Lita vs. T&A & Trish

17:19 - Hardcore Title Hijinks & Jerry Lee Lewis

18:16 - King of the Ring Tournament Brackets

21:17 - Too Cool vs. Edge & Christian: The Fat Elvis Pose

26:05 - The "Big D" & The Women’s Locker Room

27:42 - Eddie Guerrero vs. Big Boss Man

33:55 - Rikishi vs. Chris Benoit: Intercontinental Title Change

37:05 - Y2J vs. Hardcore Holly & Stephanie’s Interference

38:30 - The King Returns: Jerry Lawler in Memphis

41:40 - The Dudleys & The Table for Tony Chimel

42:58 - The Evening Gown Match is Born

47:01 - Main Event: The Gauntlet Handicap Match

54:11 - The Business of Wrestling: Lawsuits and Networks

1:03:05 - The Sci-Fi Channel & Final Thoughts

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

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

Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani are joined by Tom Green (WCW Deep Cuts) to recap the final RAW is WAR before King of the Ring 2000! We dive into a wrestling-heavy show from Nashville that features a masterclass in sports entertainment storytelling between Eddie Guerrero and Chyna.

We break down the "Puppy Love" segment that saw Eddie win over Chyna with a gift she couldn't resist, alongside the brilliantly booked tournament qualifier where Eddie used a "wrist-lock rollup" to advance. Tommy Blacha explains the backstage perspective on why Eddie Guerrero took to the WWF style like a fish to water while other "jumpers" struggled. We also discuss the "bureaucracy of the fax machine" as Linda McMahon sends a high-stakes decree from afar, and Vince McMahon's bizarre obsession with the size of his own "grapefruits."

Other highlights include:

- The Rock delivering a "Pierced Anus" promo that only he could pull off.

- Kurt Angle's legendary Nashville "inbreeding" promo and his "Smart Mark" match against Bubba Ray Dudley.

- The Dudley Boyz facing a 5-on-2 handicap dumpster-table-chaos match.

- Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco taking their hardcore feud to a New York champagne celebration.

- Tommy Blacha reveals the locker room tension surrounding Sean Stasiak and his secret tape recorder.

0:00 - Intro

3:13 - Sean Stasiak and the secret tape recorder scandal

4:06 - The transition of WCW "jumpers" like The Radicals

6:00 - Kurt Angle vs. Bubba Ray Dudley (KOTR Qualifier)

9:20 - Tommy vs. Rob: The "Seasoned Pro" vs. "Tag Team Herb" debate

12:15 - The mysterious "Wall of Voodoo" fan in the front row

14:15 - Linda McMahon and the bureaucracy of the fax machine

16:30 - The comedic timing of Brisco & Patterson

18:30 - Vince McMahon questions his own "raisin-sized grapefruits"

21:50 - Vince's "Steak and Potatoes" booking philosophy

26:00 - Match: Chris Benoit vs. X-Pac (KOTR Qualifier)

32:15 - Eddie Guerrero & Chyna: The masterclass begins

36:45 - Behind the Scenes: Why Eddie and Kurt never get "stink" on them

41:15 - Chris Jericho vs. Edge (KOTR Qualifier)

42:45 - Triple H, Bossman, and Bull Buchanan's broken-up alliance

44:00 - Undertaker vs. Bossman & Bull Buchanan

45:10 - Jesse Ventura raises Triple H’s hand in Minnesota

46:15 - Rikishi vs. Scotty 2 Hotty (KOTR Qualifier)

48:30 - Kane vs. The Hardys: The "Elephant in the Jungle" psychology

53:50 - Crash Holly vs. Hardcore Holly (KOTR Qualifier)

56:30 - Gerald Brisco wins the Hardcore Title with a pipe

1:00:15 - Triple H snuffs Test (The "Shoot Snuff" talk)

1:03:15 - Main Event: The Rock vs. T&A (Handicap Match)

1:08:30 - The Rock, Kane, and Undertaker unite against Triple H

1:11:40 - WCW Freefall: Goldberg turns heel and eats a contract

1:18:20 - Outro

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

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

Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani are back in the Windy City (or at least Rosemont) to recap a star-studded June 15, 2000 episode of SmackDown. The headline is the guest appearance of Samuel L. Jackson as Shaft! We break down the surreal crossover segments in Time Square and WWE New York, including the legendary moment where Shaft offers to "protect the booty" of Hardcore Champion Crash Holly.

Tommy Blacha provides unique insight into the "on-the-fly" nature of the Shaft shoot and what it was like working with a Hollywood A-lister at the peak of his powers. We also discuss the acoustics of the old Rosemont Horizon, the mystery of The Undertaker's sudden arrest for "carjacking," and why Vince McMahon thought Dean Malenko needed to be paired with the Godfather's ladies to get over.

Other major discussion points include:

- The Dudley Boyz taking a 10-foot plunge off the stage inside a tied-up dumpster.

- The Rock, Undertaker, and Kane dealing with a new high-stakes stipulation for their King of the Ring main event.

- Lita carving her own path: How her legitimate in-ring ability in Mexico and Mexico's CMLL forced WWE to take the women's division seriously.

- The ongoing "Faction vs. Regime" branding war and Triple H's questionable grammar.

- Chris Jericho getting "splashed" by a bucket of water from Stephanie McMahon.

Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and tell your enemies about us!

Follow Tales from the Attitude Era: Email: [email protected] Instagram/TikTok/X: @TFTattitudeera

0:00 - Intro

1:40 - The "Stay Out" Bar and Rosemont's 23-hour liquor laws

3:54 - WWE Post-Production: Making Linda McMahon sound dramatic

6:55 - Match 1: Edge vs. Grandmaster Sexay (KOTR Qualifier)

7:50 - Stone Phillips in the front row / Celebrity cameo talk

10:42 - McMahon-Helmsley promo: The new KOTR stipulation

17:03 - Crash Holly, Brisco, & Patterson take Time Square

17:53 - Match 2: The Hardys vs. T&A / Lita makes the save

19:54 - Lita’s rise: From a bus to Mexico to the Attitude Era

21:19 - Undertaker arrested for carjacking / Spitting tobacco on Bull Buchanan

23:21 - Match 3: D-Lo Brown vs. Scotty 2 Hotty (KOTR Qualifier)

24:00 - Match 4: Kane vs. Chris Benoit (The "Smart Mark Waiver" finish)

25:44 - Edge & Christian’s "Mom" drama / Faction vs. Regime debate

27:56 - Vince McMahon and the XFL Chicago press conference

28:34 - Match 5: Dudley Boyz vs. Edge & Christian

29:42 - THE DUMPSTER SPOT: The Dudleys tossed off the stage

32:14 - Match 6: Chris Jericho vs. Bull Buchanan

33:42 - Is Jericho being "Herbed"? The verb defined

34:57 - Pat Patterson wants to go to the leather clubs

35:58 - Val Venis vs. Rikishi brawl / The vicious chair shot

39:19 - SAMUEL L. JACKSON meets Crash Holly

43:00 - The Sweet 16 King of the Ring Brackets revealed

44:20 - The Rock Scooby-Doo promo: "It doesn't matter!"

45:23 - Shaft drops Pat Patterson at WWE New York

47:02 - Main Event: The Rock vs. Kurt Angle

48:22 - Stephanie throws a bucket of water / The Schmoz finish

49:42 - Servicing the live crowd energy vs. repetitive booking

53:04 - Sunday Night Heat Recap: Benoit, Jericho, and Hardcore Holly

57:27 - Outro

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

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

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.

Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell!

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

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

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

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.

Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell!

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

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

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

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

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

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