Tales from the Attitude Era

Tales from the Attitude Era recaps an action-packed WWF Smackdown from May 4, 2000, after a long week with a PPV, former writer Tommy Blacha just wants to get through this episode!

It's a very fun show with the McMahon-Helmsley regime stacking the deck against the Rock pitting him in a handicap match against three members of DX and his partner is hometown boy… Earl Hebner?!

Plus the tag division is heating up, the Radicalz split for good, and a bunch of angles wrap up with Eddie Guerrero, Chyna, Chris Benoit, T&A and others.

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...

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.

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:<...

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...

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...

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...

This week on Tales from the Attitude Era, Rob Pasbani and former WWF writer Tommy Blacha head to the Ice Palace in Tampa for the April 13, 2000 episode of SmackDown! The road to Backlash is getting shorter, and we discuss the creative pressures of building a pay-per-view card with only a few weeks of TV.

With the roster in their home state of Florida, the show has a fun, house-show vibe. The Rock has secured his title shot, but the McMahon-Helmsley Faction isn't done with him yet, setting up a huge six-man tag team main event between...

On this episode of Tales from the Attitude Era, Rob and former WWF writer Tommy Blacha break down the April 10, 2000 episode of Raw is War! We discuss the fallout from WrestleMania 2000 and why this Raw felt like a "casserole of leftovers."

The Rock is on a quest for revenge against the McMahon-Helmsley faction and demands his shot at the WWF Championship. Vince McMahon finally explains his shocking turn, leading to a bizarre promo about feces and rectal cavities. Plus, The Rock is booked in a handicap Steel Cage match for the main event!

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It's the Smackdown after WrestleMania 2000, and the Rock has had enough of DX's antics and gets a bit of revenge for being screwed at WrestleMania. Plus, the Latino Heat angle kicks off with Chyna, the Radicalz are finding their new place on the card, the tag team division is heating up with the Dudleys, T&A, Hardys, and Head Cheese all vying for a spot, and we get some great wrestling this episode.

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It's the night after WrestleMania 2000, and while the world waited on an explanation from Vince McMahon, we didn't quite get one. Instead, he teamed with DX to try to stop the Rock. This is the episode where Chyna finally gives into Eddie Guerrero's advances and we start the memorable storyline between the two of them. Plus, Big Show goes Hollywood with an attempt at an evolution of his character. Plus, the Hardcore Title chronicles continue.

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It's traditionally the biggest show of the year, but in 2000, WrestleMania felt more like a thrown-together episode of Raw. Former writer Tommy Blacha talks about what worked and what missed the mark, why the crowd was so quiet all night, heightened expectations, his vision for the Hardcore Title segment that got a little muddied, and we dive deep into why the fatal four way main event and the Vince McMahon swerve at the end didn't work for the crowd.

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WrestleMania 2000 is only a few days away in our timeline, and for this review of #WWESmackdown, comedian and show business star Dave Hill joins us to share his views on pro wrestling as we get through the last episode before Mania, and there's a lot here from Stephanie's win of the WWF Women's Title, the hardcore title schenanigans and the tag team division really heating up.

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It's the final WWF Monday Night Raw before the biggest show of the year, and things get out of whack when the first segment runs much longer than it should have, forcing cuts to the timing of the rest of the show. Watch as former head writer Tommy Blacha describes the mayhem backstage and also some angles he hoped to get across before the big PPV this weekend - namely never getting a Hardcore vs. Crash Holly feud fully off the ground. All the matches on the show this week seem to set up PPV matches for the weekend...

Stephanie McMahon isn't so innocent anymore. This is the infamous episode where she slaps her mom, future Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon. Plus, Mick Foley does his best to explain how he came back so soon after his retirement, and we start to see the full WrestleMania 2000 card developing with Hardys, Edge & Christian, the Dudleys, the Hollys, Rikishi, Too Cool, the Radicalz and more all getting roles.

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With WrestleMania 2000 just two weeks away, this episode of Raw is laser-focused on making sure to set up all the proper angles to finalize the card. We see a tag team battle royal interrupted by the Dudleys, DX's feuds with Kane and Rikishi escalating, and most importantly, we get a preview of the WrestleMania main event and the addition of the hardcore legend Mick Foley in a very controversial angle. Tommy also discussed some of the other angle possibilities.

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It's a special edition of Tales from the Attitude Era, where we review The Rock's first time hosting Saturday Night Live, leading up to WrestleMania 2000. Tommy Blacha was there as a guest writer for the week, advocating for the Rock and WWE and he shares all the stories of what the week was like. Plus, we are joined by special guest, comedian Jon Glaser, who has plenty of stories of writing at 30 Rock and sharing some great anecdotes.

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Vince is back, and he wants revenge on his children for causing chaos while he was gone. Lots of McMahon interactions this episode, plus the Rock continues to get the best of DX and Big Show. One of the best 24/7 hardcore segments ever aired on this episode at Fun Time USA with Crash Holly and the Headbangers. Plus, Bob Backlund gets involved in Kurt Angle's feud with Chris Jericho and Chyna, and Chris Benoit butts in as well. Edge and Christian get some payback on the she-devil Terri. You can really see the WrestleMania card start to form on...

Business starts to pick up on this RAW on the road to WrestleMania in the New York tri-state area. The Rock finally figures his way into the WrestleMania 2000 main event with help from the returning Vince McMahon, who we haven't seen since December. Plus, the 24/7 Hardcore Title chronicles continue in Newark Airport and the Dudleys go even further with powerbombing Mae Young through the stage

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It's Handicap Match Mania on Smackdown this episode, and we dive into why there were four handicap matches booked on this show. With just under a month to WrestleMania 2000, it was an episode to build heat on the heels. Also on this episode, Bob Backlund and Taz trade submissions, Steve Blackman and Jeff Hardy wow the crowd, Crash Holly escapes out of a laundromat with his title, and Edge spears Lita!

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Continuing the trend of iconic moments happening every episode, this episode featured the must replayed moment where Bubba Dudley put 80-year-old Mae Young through a table. Elsewhere, Triple H and Big Show continue their in-fighting as they try to stop the Rock, by making him face Chris Benoit in a steel cage match. Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle heat their feud up and a legend makes a surprise appearance.

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With five weeks until WrestleMania, this episode doesn't have a lot of newsworthy segments, except one notable exception - the birth of Crash Holly's 24/7 Hardcore Title gimmick, one of Tommy's favorite creations. Plus, the Rock keeps trying to get into the main event, Rikishi's push continues, we see another glimpse of Lita and Sgt. Slaughter comes out of retirement to put Kurt Angle in his place.

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It's the night after WWF No Way Out 2000, and this night includes one of the most memorable moments of the Attitude era – the night Mae Young gave birth to a hand. Also, in the fallout from No Way Out, Billy Gunn is kicked out of DX, The Rock can't overcome the odds of Triple H and Big Show, the tag team division is really heating up and Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho escalate their feud.

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Will Sasso is back and we're having so much fun reviewing WWE No Way Out 2000 (technically WWF No Way Out 2000). We review the infamous hell in a cell match with Cactus Jack and Triple H. An awesome match between the Hardys and Edge & Christian, Big Show screws The Rock, Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho start their feud and the Radicalz have their first PPV match. If you don't laugh this episode, you have no soul.

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It's the final Smackdown before WWE No Way Out and it's all hands on deck to promote all the matches on the card. Cactus Jack delivers another incredible promo. X-Pac's and Kane's feud reaches fiery heights, we have a new Hardcore Champion, the Radicalz continue their feud with Too Cool, Rock and Big Show are at each other's throats, and Mae Young delivers as always.

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The DX Express is back but not for long. It's the final episode before WWF No Way Out and Cactus Jack and Triple H find themselves on opposite sides of an awesome six man tag that also features The Big Show, The Rock, Kane and X-Pac. Plus, why is Mae Young so funny? Too Cool's feud with the Radicalz escalates, the writing team try something new with Tazz and the origins of "Shut Up Juice."

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DX upgrade to the DX Express and use their new tour bus to kidnap their adversaries – Kane, Paul Bearer and Mankind. Meanwhile, Too Cool and the Radcialz heat up their feud. Mae Young and Mark Henry acquire the services of the Acolytes, Chyna and Chris Jericho continue their feud with Kurt Angle and Tazz makes his in-ring return after a few weeks away.

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"Where is Cactus Jack?" we wondered all episode. He returns at the end of the show for a big pop. Plus, Mae and Mark Henry celebrate Valentine's Day in style. The Radicalz try to take out Rikishi and Too Cool for good. Kane tries to get vengeance on X-Pac and the Hollys feel the wrath of Tazz.

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This was one of the best editions of Smackdown ever produced! Go out of your way to watch it, very fun night with a lot of great action, capped by Kane facing Triple H and X-Pac in a handicap match that leads to Kane finally getting revenge on Tori. Plus, The Dudleys' journey with tables continues this week, taking out BB, Too Cool continue their ascent, the Radicalz have some great matches and Kurt Angle wins some gold.

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It's a very notable episode of Raw with a lot going on behind the scenes. The Radicalz turn on Cactus Jack and join up with DX and get officially signed to the WWE, leading to an incredibly exciting main event that shows just how over all the competitors in the match were. Plus, we had to have some fun with Mae Young. Plus, more behind the scenes tales on Chris Jericho, Chyna, The Acolytes and more.

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On the Radicalz' second night in the company, Eddie Guerrero suffers a very unfortunately timed injury leading to the entire plan for the Radicalz being shifted. Former lead writer Tommy Blacha tells us all the behind the scenes stories of the chaos caused by this moment. Plus, moments with Mae Young, Chris Jericho, Chyna, Too Cool, Kurt Angle, Tazz, The Rock and more.

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It's one of the most legendary moments of the Attitude Era, the Radicalz – Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn – stun the world by appearing on WWE RAW is WAR just a week after apearing on WCW Monday Nitro. Benoit was last seen as WCW World Champion! Find out all the behind the scenes stories of this iconic moment from one of the lead writers. Plus, what's going on with the undercard? The Dudleys continue their table obsession and the Hardys, Edge and Christian also benefit. Plus, what's Mae Young up to? Kurt Angle and Taz! It's all...

It's the first Smackdown after the Royal Rumble and there's a lot of plot advancement. Tori finally turns on Kane and joins X-Pac and DX. Rikishi's push into the main event continues. Chyna's friendship with a newly face Chris Jericho blossoms. Edge & Christian and the Dudleys put on the match of the night and Al Snow and Steve Blackman continue their odd couple storyline.

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It's the Raw after the infamous Royal Rumble 2000 and while everybody is banged up, there's a show to do! Tommy talks about writing a show, keeping in mind some of the top stars need a break from too much heavy action because of the toll the night before took on them. We look at the top storylines in the company with Triple H, The Rock, Big Show and Cactus Jack. We look at Chris Jericho's slow face turn with Chyna, how the Holly boys are getting stories and the formation of Head Cheese!

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We take a break from our weekly reviews to ask former WWE head writer Tommy Blacha YOUR questions including fun stories about how Vince is about sneezing, booking Jakked/Metal, Bob Backlund, the Radicalz, guys Tommy thinks deserved the title and what Tommy thinks of the current product. A very fun episode!

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It's one of the most memorable Royal Rumbles of all time, and former head writer Tommy Blacha has all the inside info on the legendary night at the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. We go in-depth about all the celebrities there and behind the scenes stories on all the match including the infamous street fight between Cactus Jack and Triple H, which still holds up today, the iconic tables match between the Hardyz and the Dudley Boyz and the night the Rock won the Rumble with a tinge of controversy.

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It's the final Smackdown before the infamous 2000 Royal Rumble and the entire show is all about getting people excited for the big PPV. Big Show starts the show in a now iconic look, and ends the show in a questionable gimmick match, an over-the-top-rope elimination lumberjack match with Kane and the Rock. Plus, Chyna and Chris Jericho fail to get on the same page, Viscera gets some TV times and Rob and Tommy end up in a heated debate about clean finish smart marks!

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It's the final Raw before the infamous 2000 Royal Rumble and the whole show is about setting up the big PPV. We see more tension between the two favorites to win the Rumble, the Rock and Big Show. We see Cactus Jack further intimidate Triple H ahead of their big PPV main event and the Acolytes try to get revenge on the New Age Outlaws. Plus, further character development for The Hardys, Kurt Angle, and Mae Young.

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It's the infamous episode where Mankind transformed back into Cactus Jack to set up his big street fight with Triple H at the upcoming Royal Rumble. Former head writer Tommy Blacha explains how brilliant Foley is to make such a silly reveal work. Plus, the Acolytes feud with the New Age Outlaws starts heating up and the Hardys ignite their feud with the Dudleys. Jericho, Chyna and the Kat still can't get along and Too Cool are as popular as ever.

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The entire WWF roster is sick of the McMahon Helmsley era's tactics and are threatning a walkout. The entire theme of the episode is payback for DX, with the Rock leading the charge. Plus, Rikishi and Too Cool get more over, the Big Show and Test get some heat back and Al Snow is still crazy.

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The first Smackdown of 2000 also features Triple H's first title defense of his newly won title, and even though he ends up winning, the match makes Rikishi into a true threat and a fixture of the main event scene. Plus, Chris Jericho and Chyna have trouble getting along while being co-Intercontinental Champions. Stephanie deals out some punishments/challenges to the rest of DX and they're none-too-happy, plus we get our first taste of the Dudleys/Hardys/Edge & Christian feud. A very eventful Smackdown!

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Triple H finally stacks the odds against Big Show to reclaim his WWF World Title for his third reign, and is getting even cozier with Stephanie. A huge new development in the Intercontinental Title program with Chris Jericho and Chyna is revealed thanks to Stephanie, who also continues to help Kurt Angle maintain his undefeated stream. Plus, Moolah and Mae are put in a unique tag team situation, and a steel cage match out of nowhere!

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It's the final WWF episode of the 20th century and DX is here to make their mark on the new millenium. The power trip continues as they manipulate Tori, and thus Kane to do their bidding against the Rock. Plus, Triple H tries to steal away the World Title from the Big Show. Our favorite storyline with Moolah and Mae continues here, as does the Hardys and Edge & Christian's climbs up the card. As a bonus, Tommy talks about what it was like ringing in the New Year at the McMahon family mansion.

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It's the last WWF Monday Night Raw of 1999 and the McMahon-Helmsley power trip continues with a Pink Slip on a Pole match between Mankind and The Rock, leading to Mick Foley's untimely demise. The locker room is starting to boil over with the power trip. Plus, Kane and Tori have some relationship issues after her weekend with X-Pac, and it involves Test. Plus, Chyna continues to help Chris Jericho and Mark Henry and Mae Young go out on a double date. Former head writer Tommy Blacha has great insight on all of it.

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The year is almost over but things are heating up on WWF Smackdown and Mankind tries to rally the troops against the McMahon-Helmsley era, and gets some surprising help from Stephanie McMahon. Plus, the love fest between Mark Henry and Mae Young sparks up as the Dudleys try to get in the way. Chyna keeps interfering in Jericho's matches. Al Snow faces The Rock in a cage! Are there too many gimmicks? We discuss!

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The McMahon-Helmsley era kicks into full gear, and the bullying is reaching a fever pitch. They continue to abuse The Rock, Mankind, Big Show, Test, Kane and Tori. We see the first ever Top Rope Topless match. The Hardys and Edge & Christian continue their ongoing story and we get a boiler room match with Santas. Plus, Mae Young and Moolah's feud with the Dudleys kicks off.

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The McMahon-Helmsley regime takes full control of the show on Smackdown, making the lives of The Rock, Big Show and Mankind a living nightmare. Plus, the teams of the Hardys and Edge & Christian are forced to each wrestler their tag team partner for the first time. Al Snow tries to get some revenge, and Rikishi and Too Cool continue their hot streak. Plus, Tommy finds an excuse to feature Pat Patterson and Gerald Briscoe. As a bonus, we go through the 12/19/1999 episode of Sunday Night Heat.

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It's the night after WWF Armageddon 1999 and the world wants to know "Why, Stephanie, why??" Stephanie is a tour de force explaining her actions in a completely logical manner. Plus, the spark of the new relationship between Mark Henry and Mae Young. Tommy gets yelled at by X-Pac for booking a pudding match and Test continues to look like a herb. Plus, the Rock and Sock Connection is in action and we see the conclusion of the Big Show/Bossman feud.

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It's the final PPV of 1999 and it's quite a newsworthy show. Former WWF head writer Tommy Blacha goes through the show match by match offering insights into the creative process of each match. We finally see Stephanie join Triple H against her father in the climax of the event. Ms. Kitty reveals all as she becomes Women's Champion. Rikishi continues his hot streak. The tag team division is lighting up. Plus, the Rock is getting more and more popular. 

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So much happens on the final Smackdown before WWF Armageddon 1999 and former head writer Tommy Blacha is here to take you through the process of all of it. The final build to the big-time Triple H/Vince angle, the Rock and Sock feud with Al Snow escalates, all the tag teams jockey for position and Big Show still wants revenge on Big Boss Man.

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It's the final Raw before WWF Armageddon 1999 and all the storylines are locked in. Stephanie tries to get her marriage to Triple H annulled and he agrees under a few conditions. Plus, Big Boss Man has one last crazy revelation for the Big Show before their big match on Sunday. Too Cool continue to blow up, plus Al Snow is still mad at Mankind for being friends with The Rock.

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Everybody remembers the night Triple H crashed Stephanie McMahon's wedding, but what happened on the next episode? How does WWF follow up one of the most memorable angles in the Attitude Era? Former head writer Tommy Blacha takes us through segment-by-segment, as the build to Armageddon continues, including a hot main event with the Hardys and Big Show. Plus the Rock, Mankind, Al Snow, Dudleys, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho and Kane.

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It's finally time to review the infamous Attitude Era wedding episode of RAW from 11/29/1999. Former head writer Tommy Blacha talks about the infamous wedding with Triple H crashing Stephanie McMahon and Test's wedding, all the production that happened before it, as well as all the matches that night. The Rock and Mankind's continued feud with DX's New Age Outlaws and how Al Snow figures into the equation. Kane and XPac continue their feud. Plus, it's the first wrestling show at the Staples Center. A very memorable episode!

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We take a brief break from our weekly reviews to welcome special guest David Koechner. Host Tommy Blacha was the head writer of WWE in 1999 and when an actor needed to be brought in to play a wet blanket, Tommy knew just the guy! Koechner talks about his brief run, what could've been and shares some fun backstage stories. He also dives into his year on Saturday Night Live and what happened there and how he got unceremoniously fired. A very fun convo!

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It's Thanksgiving Day 1999, and you can't have a Thanksgiving edition of WWE Smackdown without a good old fashion food fight. Plus, the Rock finally gets to try some poontang pie. The Big Show gets some mic time. DX feud with…the homeless?! The love triangle between Mankind, Al Snow and the Rock continues. Plus, Rikishi and Too Cool finally form their alliance, and the Hardys entertain in a steel cage match.

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Vince McMahon loses control and attacks DX's limo, resulting in a restraining order. Tommy tells a great story about photographer David LaChapelle doing a photo shoot behind the scenes for this big spread in Vanity Fair. Mankind and Al Snow face the Holly cousins and Mankind eventually reunited with The Rock. X-Pac faces Jeff Hardy in a fun dream match, and the anti WWF storyline takes a turn. Plus, Kurt Angle, Dudleys vs. Edge and Christian, and the final setup for next Raw's big wedding angle.

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Last week, Netflix released a six-part documentary all about disgraced WWE founder Vince McMahon. Tommy Blacha worked very closely with McMahon in 2000 as head writer and had a lot of thoughts about the documentary, so much so that we took a break from our weekly reviews for this special one-off episode. We review the series as a whole and talk about ways we think it could've been improved. We also discussed a few things we actually liked about it. Did you watch the series? What are your thoughts?

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The fallout from Survivor Series '99 continues on Smackdown, as DX continues to cause chaos for Vince McMahon and his family, further establishing that feud. Plus Mankind (Mick Foley) and Al Snow go on a Vegas Invasion leading to some very funny bits throughout the episode. The tag team division is as hot as ever, and Big Show is still trying to get revenge on Big Boss Man. Plus, the women have an awesome hardcore match!

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It's the night after WWF Survivor Series 1999, and Steve Austin was run over by a mysterious vehicle. The local authorities are here to question all the assumed suspects, leading to some great backstage segments with DX, The Rock, Vince McMahon, Jerry Lawler, and others, creating a show-long (and year-long) story arc. The Rock faces Big Boss Man in a number one contender's match and DX's feud with Vince really heats up.

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WWF Survivor Series 1999 was marred by controversy as mid-way through the show, an angle was shot where Steve Austin was run over by a car, putting him on the shelf for over a year and creating one of the biggest mysteries in company history. How did it come about? When did former head writer Tommy Blacha know about it and how did they shoot the memorable angle? All is discussed in great detail. Plus, how was the Big Show maneuvered into becoming the new world champion and what was the reaction backstage. Plus, we get deep into the philosophy...

One of the most memorable episodes of WWE Smackdown ever was the 11/11/1999 edition and former head writer Tommy Blacha has a lot of stories to share. Tommy goes into detail about dealing with Arnold Schwarzenegger and his people in the lead-up to the episode, how Arnold was integrated into the show and ended up doing way more than they originally agreed on, how Triple H masterminded the memorable ending of the episode, and the ways Vince wanted to overdeliver on the promotion of Arnold's movie.

As if that wasn't enough, this was also the episode where...

We're back to our show reviews on the road to Survivor Series 1999. It's Steve Austin's last Raw for at least a year, and the final build for the PPV which is happening the Sunday after this show. DX is still trying to cause trouble and Vince is doing his best to quell it. Plus, The Rock is named the Sexiest Wrestler Alive by People Magazine, Al Snow's life is ruined by a Walmart protest, and the tag division is heating up. Some great booking philosophy talk, as Rob puts his kayfabe glasses on and asks Tommy some tough questions...

We welcome another guest to the show this week, The Blue Meanie, who goes way back with Tommy. We go deep in depth with how Meanie became a fan, how he broke into the business under Al Snow, being discovered by Raven on an indie show and being invited to join ECW, how he got the call to join WWF and an incredible, detailed retelling of the incident with John Bradshaw Layfield at ECW One Night Stand that left Meanie unexpectedly bloody, and the receipt Meanie gave to JBL. We're back to reviewing Raw next week!

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Will Sasso is our guest this week for a very special episode. Will and host Tommy Blacha go way back and their friendship is discussed at length with some great anecdotes. Will talks about his earliest wrestling memories. He shares amazing stories of working in the ring with Bret Hart, Steve Austin and Chris Jericho. And, we are treated to a quick impression of Scott Hall and his incredible Jesse Ventura impression, including some spicy political takes.

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DX continues to cause chaos on this Smackdown, leading to an epic eight-man tag team main event with a controversial finish. We go through the entire process. Plus, Al Snow's action figure gets pulled off the shelves of WalMart and it led to some publicity for WWE and Snow. Too Cool continues to develop and Mankind proves to be a priceless part of the show.

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Chyna finally has new theme music as she is teamed with Miss Kitty and continues her feud with Chris Jericho and Stevie Richards in drag. Vince McMahon is out to punish DX tonight and puts each of them in singles matches leading to an explosive main event between Triple H and Shane McMahon with all the main event players at ringside. Plus, the tag team division heats up further and Val Venis continues getting the best of Mankind.

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It's DX's coming out party. The newly reformed heel faction are here to stake their claims and start by attacking The Rock, but Steve Austin is too smart for their game. We find out this is the first time the writers learn Austin is "limited" with a back injury that would eventually take him out for a year. Elsewhere, the tag division is heating up with new teams, Mark Henry has too much of a good thing, and British Bulldog wins back the gold.

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It's a monumental edition of Raw, as we inch closer to Survivor Series 99. The Rock and Steve Austin team up to face the New Age Outlaws with a huge ending, Mick Foley challenges Triple H, Big Show is out for revenge on Big Bossman, and Mark Henry and Godfather run into some trouble from Big Vis.

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We are on the road to WWF Survivor Series 1999, and on this edition of Smackdown that we're reviewing, Triple H's challenger(s) are set for the event. We get a great match from the Hardys and the Hollys, Big Show gets some payback on Big Bossman and more in Mark Henry's sexual adventures.

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We are back to reviewing the weekly episodes this week, looking at the night after WWF No Mercy 1999, with a very notable Raw that saw the dissolution of the Rock and Sock Connection as the main thread of the show. Plus, the first taste of what the main event for next month's Survivor Series will be, a follow up with Edge & Christian, and the Hardys, The Hollys challenge for the tag titles and the Dudleys show up!

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Comedian and actor Andy Richter sits in on this episode to share some of his favorite wrestling memories, including when he was growing up in Chicago, memories of shoots with wrestlers while working on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and his guest appearance at the WWE Royal Rumble 2000 Miss Royal Rumble pageant.

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Next week: We review the Raw after No Mercy 1999.

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Former WWE head writer Tommy Blacha looks back at the first pay-per-view that he was the head writer of, WWF No Mercy 1999. The main event was Steve Austin vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley for the world title in a street fight. Other notable matches include the first ladder match between The Hardy Boyz and Edge & Christian. Plus, the infamous Good Housekeeping Match between Chyna and Jeff Jarrett. Plus, the Hollies vs. The New Age Outlaws, The Rock vs. British Bulldog, and Mankind vs. Val Venis. The show is hosted by former head writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani.

Former WWE head writer Tommy Blacha looks back at one of his favorite people to write for, WWE Hall of Famer Mae Young. We go through the entire pregnancy arc as well as the angle where the Dudleys kept putting her through a table. Find out what Mae was really like backstage and how some of the wildest concepts of the Attitude Era came together by former head writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani.

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NEXT WEEK: A special episode focusing on Mae Young before...

It's the final episode of WWF television before the big WWF No Mercy PPV and there is so much happening on the go-home show. Is Triple H retiring? Will the Rock N Sock Connection team again after tonight? How will Kane stop the Acolytes? Mideon likes to fornicate with…what??? All is reviewed by former head writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani.

Here is a playlist of all the videos we discussed this week:

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It's Tommy's second week on the job, and we are in the go-home week right before the next PPV, WWF No Mercy 1999. Some behind the scenes stories on the Raw before No Mercy, which featured a showdown with Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin and a literal rattlesnake! Also on the show, the Rock N Sock Connection take on British Bulldog and Val Venis with a memorable plate of dog poop involved in the finish. Plus, Jim Ross gets in the ring, Acolytes, Kane, X-Pac, Moolah, Ivory and more!

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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.<...

Pro wrestling shows dominate the top sports podcast charts, but none are from the perspective of the show's writer.

Tommy Blacha has written on Conan O'Brien, Da Ali G Show, The Eric Andre Show, and co-created Adult Swim's Metalocalypse.

He was also the head writer of WWE (then WWF) during their big boom period, affectionately referred to as The Attitude Era.

Tommy was a significant figure in the Attitude Era, primarily known for his work as a comedy writer and performer. He played a crucial role in shaping the entertainment aspect of the...