Former Conan writer Tommy Blacha talks about his time as head writer for World Wrestling Federation with co-host Rob Pasbani. New episodes every Monday at noon eastern.
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 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
Foley gives Austin one last ultimatum and gets stunned mid-sentence. Billy Gunn clears himself as a suspect and drops the only real clue in months: blond hair. The Brooklyn Brawler falls over a catering table without being touched. Meanwhile, the opening segment runs over twenty minutes and features The Rock, Kurt Angle, Triple H, Mick Foley, Chris Benoit, Kane, and Rikishi all taking turns at the microphone. Tommy has a word for this. It is not a compliment. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uoi-6...
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 5
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Tales from the Attitude Era
Foley tells Austin to play by his rules or else. Austin responds by hiding in a phone booth and jumping Road Dog during a hardcore match. The whole "who ran over Austin" angle is starting to feel like nobody in the room knows where it's going.
Raven's first promo gets buried on arrival. Stephanie costs Triple H and Rock the main event. Tommy used to work in that writers' room and has a pretty clear idea of why everything feels slightly off.
Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w0eH...
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 5
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Tales from the Attitude Era
Raw moves to TNN and WWF celebrates by giving away two pay-per-view matches for free. Austin stuns Benoit, Angle, and Regal in one night. The Hardys and Edge & Christian have a forgotten ladder classic. Edge invents his WrestleMania 17 spear. And Tommy, who was still loosely working for the company at this point, notices the writing staff is getting too big, the synergy people are showing up, and every time Austin stuns someone there's no next week.
Check it out here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m3Jg...
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 12
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Tales from the Attitude Era
We're back, reviewing WWF Unforgiven 2000. Austin's back and immediately punches Kevin Kelly. Raven debuts in Philadelphia. The Hardys win their first tag titles. And the most anticipated match on the card runs out of time because backstage segments ate it. Former writer Tommy Blacha has feelings.
Find the new episode on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-SGC...
1 month ago | [YT] | 6
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Tales from the Attitude Era
We review the final #WWERAW before Unforgiven 26 years ago… Triple H spent the whole opening promo implying Kurt Angle is gay, Undertaker pins the champion six days out, and Tommy explains why debuting William Regal at the Rosemont Horizon on this specific night was no accident.
Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z--bm...
1 month ago | [YT] | 12
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Tales from the Attitude Era
Eddie Guerrero did not come to this #WWESmackDown in 2000 to apologize. Tommy calls it an Emmy performance. Also: Tazz auditions to replace Lawler on commentary, Stone Cold sends a message for Unforgiven, and Lawler shows up to choke Tazz out mid-catchphrase.
Watch the full review here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCwY8...
#stonecoldsteveaustin #eddieguerrero #chyna
2 months ago | [YT] | 9
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Tales from the Attitude Era
On this #WWERAW from 2000, a lot happened. The Rock ate a con-chair-to from Edge & Christian, and lost the pinfall, Eddie Guerrero "accidentally" won the IC title from Chyna (or was it an accident?), Test revealed he called the cops on HHH as payback for "stealing" Stephanie, Kai en Tai link up with the Acolytes, Right to Censor kidnap Val Venis… and a lot more. Former writer Tommy Blacha thinks things got a little messy this episode and we talk about how WWE might be riding on the fumes of past success. A very interesting discussion is found in the latest episode.
Watch the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVFAY...
2 months ago | [YT] | 2
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Tales from the Attitude Era
On this #WWESmackdown from 26 years ago, Kurt Angle accuses HHH of abusing Stephanie and calls the cops, while Chyna finally gets her revenge on the billion dollar princess. The Hardys' feud with Edge & Christian heats up, the Right to Censor are on their way to a new member and Al Snow finally wins some gold. Tons to discuss from this classic episode. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBZb7...
2 months ago | [YT] | 9
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Tales from the Attitude Era
Do you remember when Chyna + HHH reunited in 2000? Eddie Guerrero was not pleased, leading to a great match. Plus, a ton of SummerSlam 2000 fallout all on this new review of #WWERAW from 26 years ago. Where's Stephanie McMahon?!?
Former writer Tommy Blacha offers some great behind the scenes insight on this classic episode. Find it on our new website, TalesFromTheAttitudeEra.com, or wherever you get podcasts.
Watch here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITrm_...
2 months ago | [YT] | 7
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Tales from the Attitude Era
Our new episode reviewing WWE SummerSlam 2000 is live! The show is most remembered for the first TLC match, Shane McMahon's insane 75 foot fall, and a fun main event with Rock, Angle and HHH. But there was also a few things that absolutely stunk up the place and former writer Tommy Blacha goes over everything that worked and didn't work.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ89D...
3 months ago | [YT] | 1
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