WWF Champion vs. ECW Champion – WWE Smackdown Review 4/20/2000

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

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

We also dive into:

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

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

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

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

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