Tales from the Attitude Era

Tommy Blacha & Robert Pasbani

Pro wrestling shows dominate the top sports podcast charts, but none are from the perspective of the show's writer, until now. 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 WWF product during this time. Joined by co-host Rob Pasbani (Metal Injection, Squared Circle Pit), the two look back on the unique moment in time. discussing the creative mindset behind some of the biggest stories of the Attitude Tales from the Attitude Era is a weekly one-hour podcast looking back at a specific famous moment or storyline from the period in WWE when Blacha was head writer, between 1999 and 2001, producing some of wrestling's most iconic personalities, both in front of and behind the camera. There was a sense of heightened sensationalism surrounding the industry during this time. Fans were eager to learn about the backstage politics, personal relationships, and locker room dynamics that fueled the drama on-screen. Every week. Rob Pasbani will lead the show offering a recap of events, and reactions from critics & fans of the time. Blacha will then offer his unique insider perspective explaining the hows and whys of famous moments involving larger-than-life figures like Vince McMahon, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and Triple H. whose influence extended beyond the ring and into the boardroom. Fans were captivated by learning about their roles in shaping the direction of the company and the industry as a whole further fueled fans' fascination with the backstage of the Attitude Era. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. The Love Triangle Explodes! Kurt Angle and Triple H Fight Over Stephanie McMahon - WWF Raw 8/7/00 Review

    1d ago

    The Love Triangle Explodes! Kurt Angle and Triple H Fight Over Stephanie McMahon - WWF Raw 8/7/00 Review

    Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani review the epic August 7, 2000, episode of Raw live from Madison Square Garden. WWF pulls out all the stops for the New York City crowd on the road to SummerSlam. The main event scene is on fire as Mick Foley books two massive matches: The Rock defending the WWF Championship against Chris Benoit in a No DQ match, and a Triple Threat Number One Contender match featuring Triple H, Kurt Angle, and Chris Jericho. The soap opera drama continues as Stephanie McMahon and Triple H attempt to reconcile, but Kurt Angle and Just Joe keep stirring the pot. The broadcast closes with a massive moment for the WWE fans when The Rock delivers a Rock Bottom to Stephanie McMahon! Other major discussion points include: - The Undertaker returning from his honeymoon to exact brutal revenge on Big Show. - The Goodfather cementing Right to Censor's dominance by powerbombing Victoria through a table. - Taz insulting Jim Ross and getting punched out by Jerry Lawler. - Chyna stepping into a six person tag team match to help Eddie Guerrero defeat Val Venis and T&A. - X-Pac using low blows to defeat Rikishi while Road Dogg interferes. 0:00 Intro and the Magic of Madison Square Garden 6:53 The Rock Challenges Chris Benoit 12:23 X-Pac vs. Rikishi 18:06 Right to Censor, The Protest, and The Goodfather's Brutal Powerbomb 28:16 Eddie Guerrero, Chyna, and Too Cool vs. Val Venis and T&A 34:36 Just Joe Stirs Up Trouble Between Kurt Angle and Triple H 36:47 Stephanie McMahon Apologizes and Mick Foley Books the Main Events 39:06 The Rock vs. Chris Benoit for the WWF Championship 41:25 Taz Insults Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler 46:53 The Undertaker Throws Big Show Off the Stage! 50:29 Main Event: Triple H vs. Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho 54:04 The Rock Rock Bottoms Everyone 56:59 Outro and 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.

    58 min
  2. Stephanie Hugs Kurt Angle! Triple H is Jealous - WWE SmackDown Review 8/3/00

    May 25

    Stephanie Hugs Kurt Angle! Triple H is Jealous - WWE SmackDown Review 8/3/00

    Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani are back to review an action packed episode of SmackDown from August 3, 2000 in Birmingham, Alabama. The soap opera drama surrounding the McMahon Helmsley era reaches new heights on the road to SummerSlam. Stephanie McMahon demands space from Triple H after the controversial ending to the previous Raw. Kurt Angle is more than happy to step in as a friend, leading to a massive six person main event where Stephanie McMahon secures the pinfall over Lita and celebrates in the arms of the Olympic gold medalist while Triple H watches in jealousy. Tommy Blacha also sheds light on the WWF infiltrating the political conventions and the push to get WWE fans registered to vote. Inside the ring, Big Show continues his path of destruction by chokeslamming Kane through the stage during a chaotic tag team match featuring The Rock and Chris Benoit. Other major discussion points include: - The Rock delivering a hilarious promo mocking Chris Benoit. - Edge and Christian laying the groundwork for TLC by delivering a con-chair-to to Jeff Hardy. - Right to Censor officially closing the APA's office for business. - X-Pac and Road Dogg picking up singles victories over Too Cool. - Steve Blackman retaining the Hardcore Championship against Perry Saturn with help from Al Snow. - A look back at a loaded episode of Sunday Night Heat featuring Eddie Guerrero, Chyna, Taz, and Val Venis. 0:00 Intro and Memories of Birmingham 6:56 Triple H and Trish Stratus Try to Apologize 7:48 Scotty 2 Hotty vs. X-Pac 13:00 Stephanie McMahon Needs Space and Kurt Angle Steps In 14:22 Shane McMahon's New Alliance 22:02 Eddie Guerrero and Rikishi vs. Val Venis and Taz 26:46 Mick Foley Books the Main Event 27:56 Matt Hardy vs. Edge and the Con-Chair-To 30:06 The Rock Mocks Chris Benoit 31:57 The Rock and Kane vs. Big Show and Chris Benoit 34:55 Right to Censor Clears Out The Acolytes Office 35:31 Steve Blackman vs. Perry Saturn for the Hardcore Championship 36:47 The Acolytes vs. Right to Censor 38:46 Road Dogg vs. Grandmaster Sexay 41:10 The SummerSlam Commercial 42:48 Main Event: Triple H, Kurt Angle, and Stephanie McMahon vs. The Dudley Boyz and Lita 48:03 Michael Cole at the RNC and WWF Voter Turnout 52:39 Sunday Night Heat Recap and 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.

    1h 1m
  3. A Shocking 69 Ending for Triple H and Trish Stratus! WWE RAW Review 7/30/00

    May 18

    A Shocking 69 Ending for Triple H and Trish Stratus! WWE RAW Review 7/30/00

    Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani are back to review the final Raw of July 2000 from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. This episode dives into the crossover between professional wrestling and mainstream pop culture, detailing The Rock appearing at the political conventions and the WWF launching a campaign to get WWE fans to register to vote. Inside the ring, the soap opera drama reaches a boiling point when Triple H tries to apologize to Stephanie McMahon, only to be caught in another compromising hammerlock position. The chaotic backstage segments culminate in Mick Foley booking a massive intergender tag team main event featuring The Rock and Lita taking on Triple H and Trish Stratus. Other major discussion points include: - The Acolytes interrupting a Right to Censor promo to fight for their rights. - Edge and Christian drawing massive heat by mocking the Atlanta Braves before battling The Hardy Boyz. - Steve Blackman and Al Snow uniting to ambush Road Dogg and X-Pac. - Taz taking a stink face during a hard hitting matchup against Rikishi. - Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit continuing their alliance in a tag team bout against The Dudley Boyz. - A beautiful on air tribute to legendary wrestling broadcaster Gordon Solie. 0:00 Intro and the WWF at the 2000 Political Conventions 8:29 Tribute to Gordon Solie 11:51 Massive Ratings for Raw and Outdrawing Preseason Football 21:26 Steve Blackman and Al Snow Attack DX 23:53 Triple H Apologizes to Stephanie McMahon 28:08 Mick Foley Fakes Tears and Books the Main Event 31:14 Edge and Christian Mock the Atlanta Braves 34:24 The Hardy Boyz vs. Edge and Christian 36:22 Shane McMahon Coaches His Team 39:02 Trish Stratus Apologizes to Stephanie McMahon 40:52 Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit vs. The Dudley Boyz 43:29 Triple H Shows Stephanie McMahon the Hammerlock 44:41 Right to Censor Confronts The Acolytes 48:03 Michael Cole at the RNC and the WWF Voter Block 52:39 Rikishi vs. Taz 1:02:54 Eddie Guerrero and Chyna vs. Perry Saturn and Val Venis 1:05:02 Kane vs. Big Show 1:06:02 Main Event: The Rock and Lita vs. Triple H and Trish Stratus 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.

    1h 12m
  4. Stephanie McMahon Loses It Over Triple H and Trish Stratus! WWE Smackdown Review 7/27/00

    May 11

    Stephanie McMahon Loses It Over Triple H and Trish Stratus! WWE Smackdown Review 7/27/00

    Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani break down the final SmackDown of July 2000 from the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas. Coming off the momentum of Fully Loaded, this episode is packed with major storyline advancements as WWE builds towards SummerSlam. Mick Foley books a massive card for the Texas crowd, featuring a massive Tables Match pitting Edge, Christian, and Big Show against The Dudley Boyz and Kane. We also discuss the infamous backstage segment where Stephanie McMahon catches Triple H demonstrating a hammerlock on Trish Stratus, leading to a chaotic mixed tag team match involving Chris Jericho, Lita, and a substitute Chris Benoit. The Godfather shocks the wrestling world by abandoning his signature lifestyle to debut as The Goodfather alongside Steven Richards and the Right to Censor. Plus, Steve Blackman defends the Hardcore Championship against X-Pac in a weapon filled brawl. Other major discussion points include: - Big Show explaining his controversial decision to align with Shane McMahon and Kurt Angle. - Chaz and D-Lo Brown taking on The Hardy Boyz in tag team action. - Taz continuing his destructive path in a match against Grandmaster Sexay. - - Perry Saturn defending his newly won European Championship against Crash Holly. - The main event clash between The Rock and Kurt Angle. - A bonus breakdown of a stacked episode of Sunday Night Heat featuring Dean Malenko, Chyna, Eddie Guerrero, and Val Venis. 0:00 Intro and the Freeman Coliseum Atmosphere 5:32 Recapping Big Show's Turn at Fully Loaded 6:46 Steve Blackman vs. X-Pac for the Hardcore Championship 15:08 Mick Foley Books the Card and Big Show Explains Himself 18:29 Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and the Mysterious Flowers 19:14 Lo Down (Chaz and D-Lo Brown) vs. The Hardy Boyz 22:48 Triple H Teaches Trish Stratus a Hammerlock 23:36 Taz vs. Grandmaster Sexay 27:50 Edge, Christian, and Big Show vs. The Dudley Boyz and Kane 34:15 The Godfather Debuts as The Goodfather 40:47 Mick Foley Replaces Triple H in the Mixed Tag Match 41:30 Perry Saturn vs. Crash Holly for the European Championship 43:55 Trish Stratus and Chris Benoit vs. Lita and Chris Jericho 47:24 Main Event: The Rock vs. Kurt Angle 49:46 Sunday Night Heat Recap and 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.

    1 hr
  5. Stephanie McMahon Helps Trish Attack Lita in a Strap Match! WWE Raw Review 7/24/00

    May 3

    Stephanie McMahon Helps Trish Attack Lita in a Strap Match! WWE Raw Review 7/24/00

    Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani review the chaotic July 24, 2000 episode of Raw, taking place just one night after the critically acclaimed Fully Loaded pay per view event. Tommy Blacha opens up about the shifting backstage culture in WWF during the summer of 2000, explaining how corporate analytics and the lack of competition from WCW led management to second guess successful creative decisions. The guys also discuss the stark contrast between the relentless pacing of the Attitude Era and the commercial heavy broadcasts of modern wrestling television. Inside the ring, Mick Foley establishes new rules to keep The Rock under control, while Shane McMahon and Big Show form a shocking new alliance to destroy The Undertaker. Chris Jericho hunts down Triple H for a backstage brawl, and The Hardy Boyz, Edge, Christian, and The Dudley Boyz tear the house down in a massive triple threat match for the Tag Team Championship. Other major discussion points include: - Perry Saturn capturing the European Championship in a triple threat match against Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko. - The Godfather losing to Bull Buchanan after interference from Steven Richards. - Lita taking the fight to Trish Stratus and Stephanie McMahon in a strap match. - The massive main event featuring The Rock and Kane taking on Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit. - An analysis of the record breaking cable television ratings drawn by this specific episode of Raw. 0:00 Intro 2:43 The Pacing of Old Raw vs. Modern WWE 7:37 Tommy Blacha Misses Raw for WWF New York Meetings 8:58 Mick Foley Adds a DQ Stipulation for The Rock 17:04 Road Dogg vs. Steve Blackman 21:03 Discussing the Downfall of WCW Nitro 24:42 Triple H Arrives Late and Smashes Flowers 28:22 Shane McMahon and Stephanie McMahon Confront Lita 29:54 The Godfather vs. Bull Buchanan 38:32 The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle and Big Show's Heel Turn 45:45 Chris Jericho and Triple H Brawl Backstage 49:11 Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Taz 52:55 The Hardy Boyz vs. Edge and Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz for the Tag Team Championship 56:40 Lita vs. Trish Stratus in a Strap Match 59:21 Main Event: The Rock and Kane vs. Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit 1:02:24 The Massive Record Breaking Cable Ratings 1:05:05 Backstage News: Big Show, Lilian Garcia, and Taz 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.

    1h 15m
  6. Former WWE Writer Answers Your Questions Part 2

    Apr 27

    Former WWE Writer Answers Your Questions Part 2

    Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani pause their week to week reviews for a very special Q&A episode. Attitudinals submitted their best questions, and Tommy delivers backstage insights from the peak of the wrestling boom. We discuss the turning point of WWF creative feeling too corporate following Fully Loaded, the chaotic energy of the locker room, and the logistics behind the infamous Kennel from Hell match between Big Boss Man and Al Snow. Tommy also dives into the pressure of live television and how wrestlers change spots on the fly due to last minute time cuts. Other major discussion points include: - Drafting a 10 man fantasy roster in the year 2000 featuring Eddie Guerrero, Raven, and Kenta Kobashi. - Reflecting on the greatest matches of all time, including Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13. - Why the modern WWE product struggles to capture the magic of the late 90s for WWE fans. - X-Pac getting legitimately angry over a segment involving Kane and a pool of pudding. - The lost art of television announcing and why Jim Ross and Tony Schiavone were so effective. 0:00 Intro and Patreon Update 1:23 When did WWF start to lose its fun? 4:43 The impact of buying WCW and corporate management 6:14 What the Attitude Era actually felt like 9:39 Why modern WWE pacing and long entrances are frustrating 14:46 Why did the Attitude Era work so well? 17:11 Corporate synergy, Pat McAfee, and celebrity wrestlers 23:11 How the Netflix deal changes WWE's risk taking 24:48 Fantasy Booking: Poaching 10 wrestlers for a new promotion in 2000 30:35 The final 10 man roster is locked in 33:43 How much of the show was planned vs. called on the fly? 37:19 The frustration of live TV time cuts 39:53 Did Tommy Blacha maintain backstage friendships? 41:11 Peak Jim Ross and the lost art of play-by-play announcing 46:37 Tommy Blacha's all time favorite matches 50:34 A deep cut classic: Buddy Rogers vs. Pat O'Connor (1961) 56:34 Could the Attitude Era ever happen again? 58:28 How ECW planted the seeds for the Attitude Era 1:06:03 The best and most difficult talent to write for 1:08:14 Pitching Big Show's dad's funeral to Vince McMahon 1:11:14 The logistical nightmare of the Kennel from Hell match 1:19:19 X-Pac's legitimate backstage meltdown over pudding 1:21:26 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.

    1h 22m
  7. The Best Pay Per View of 2000? Reviewing WWF Fully Loaded

    Apr 20

    The Best Pay Per View of 2000? Reviewing WWF Fully Loaded

    Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani dive into the highly acclaimed July 2000 pay per view event from the Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas. This episode of Tales from the Attitude Era covers all the action from Fully Loaded, an event that perfectly highlights the transition of new main event stars stepping into the spotlight. We break down the intense triple main event, starting with the brutal Last Man Standing match between Triple H and Chris Jericho that left the ring covered in blood. The discussion then shifts to the WWF Championship match between The Rock and Chris Benoit, featuring Shane McMahon's interference and a controversial restart by Mick Foley. We also dissect the incredible Steel Cage match for the Intercontinental Championship, where Rikishi risked it all with a massive dive against Val Venis. Tommy Blacha provides fascinating backstage insight into how corporate analytics, buyrates, and the lack of competition from WCW began creating unnecessary tension within the WWF creative team. Other major discussion points include: - The Hardy Boyz and Lita taking on T&A and Trish Stratus in an exciting intergender tag team match. - Edge and Christian faking food poisoning before their title defense against The Acolytes. - Eddie Guerrero defending the European Championship against Perry Saturn. - The Undertaker getting swift revenge on Kurt Angle after weeks of sneak attacks. - Tazz making an impact in his match against Al Snow. 0:00 Intro 2:54 Backstage Reaction to the Pay Per View Buyrate 7:37 Corporate Analytics and the Loss of Creative Freedom 18:03 The Triple Main Event Set Design 19:41 The Hardy Boyz and Lita vs. T&A and Trish Stratus 26:38 Tazz vs. Al Snow 28:22 Eddie Guerrero vs. Perry Saturn for the European Championship 31:22 Mick Foley Catches Christian Faking an Illness 33:51 Edge and Christian vs. The Acolytes 40:16 Val Venis vs. Rikishi for the Intercontinental Championship 50:05 The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle 52:26 Last Man Standing Match: Triple H vs. Chris Jericho 59:14 Main Event: The Rock vs. Chris Benoit for the WWF Championship 1:07:22 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m
  8. Kurt Angle Destroys The Undertaker's Motorcycle! WWE SmackDown 7/20/00 Review

    Apr 13

    Kurt Angle Destroys The Undertaker's Motorcycle! WWE SmackDown 7/20/00 Review

    Former WWF writer Tommy Blacha and co-host Rob Pasbani are back to review the crucial "go-home" episode of SmackDown leading into Fully Loaded. Coming to you from the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, this show perfectly sets the stage for Sunday's pay per view. Kurt Angle takes his feud with the American Badass to a shocking new level by pouring a mysterious smoking chemical all over The Undertaker's motorcycle and attacking his knee with a giant wrench. Mick Foley kicks off the show in his hometown to declare that The Rock can lose the WWF Championship by disqualification against Chris Benoit. This perfectly plays into the chaotic main event tag team match featuring The Rock and Chris Jericho taking on Triple H and Chris Benoit, where The Rock completely loses his cool. Other major discussion points include: Tommy Blacha talking about the differences between booking weekly television and major pay per views.Perry Saturn delivering a brutal post match beatdown on Chyna.Edge and Christian outsmarting the APA during a wild bar room brawl.Steve Blackman retaining the Hardcore Championship against Al Snow with a surprise assist from Tazz.The Godfather cutting a passionate promo against Steven Richards and the Right to Censor. 0:00 Intro and Summer of Sam Hollywood Rewrites 3:00 TV vs. Pay Per View Booking Formulas 12:00 Mick Foley Adds a Stipulation for The Rock 17:00 Chris Jericho Wants in the Club 20:00 Dean Malenko vs. Eddie Guerrero vs. Perry Saturn 27:00 Just Joe Instigates the APA 30:00 Kurt Angle vs. Kane 32:00 Steve Blackman vs. Al Snow for the Hardcore Championship 34:00 Triple H's Autograph Mind Games 36:00 Rikishi and The Hardy Boyz vs. Val Venis and T&A 38:00 Edge and Christian Hunker Down at the Bar 40:00 The Godfather Confronts Right to Censor 45:00 Kurt Angle Destroys The Undertaker's Motorcycle 48:00 The APA Bar Brawl 52:00 Main Event: The Rock Loses His Cool 54:00 Running Down the Fully Loaded Card and 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.

    59 min
4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Pro wrestling shows dominate the top sports podcast charts, but none are from the perspective of the show's writer, until now. 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 WWF product during this time. Joined by co-host Rob Pasbani (Metal Injection, Squared Circle Pit), the two look back on the unique moment in time. discussing the creative mindset behind some of the biggest stories of the Attitude Tales from the Attitude Era is a weekly one-hour podcast looking back at a specific famous moment or storyline from the period in WWE when Blacha was head writer, between 1999 and 2001, producing some of wrestling's most iconic personalities, both in front of and behind the camera. There was a sense of heightened sensationalism surrounding the industry during this time. Fans were eager to learn about the backstage politics, personal relationships, and locker room dynamics that fueled the drama on-screen. Every week. Rob Pasbani will lead the show offering a recap of events, and reactions from critics & fans of the time. Blacha will then offer his unique insider perspective explaining the hows and whys of famous moments involving larger-than-life figures like Vince McMahon, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and Triple H. whose influence extended beyond the ring and into the boardroom. Fans were captivated by learning about their roles in shaping the direction of the company and the industry as a whole further fueled fans' fascination with the backstage of the Attitude Era. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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