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History of the ’90s podcast: ‘The Attitude Era’ in professional wrestling

FILE - In this July 14, 1999 file photo, Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura is adorned with his signature feather boa and glitter sunglasses by professional wrestler Chyna, during a World Wrestling Federation press conference at the Target Center in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File)

On this episode of History of the ’90s, host Kathy Kenzora takes a look back at some of the most memorable moments of the Attitude Era as we try to understand why fans can’t get enough of ’90s wrestling.

Between 1997 and 2002, professional wrestling’s Attitude Era broke boundaries in ways like never before with risqué programming, adult-oriented content and larger-than-life superstars, such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, the Rock, Bret Hart, The Undertaker and Sean Michaels.

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Throw in the Monday night ratings war between the World Wrestling Federation (later World Wrestling Entertainment or WWE) and the World Championship Wrestling and it was the perfect storm of wrestling greatness.

Click to play video: 'Wrestling legend King Kong Bundy dead at 61'
Wrestling legend King Kong Bundy dead at 61

WWF’s Monday Night Raw and the WCW’s Monday Nitro aired each week at the same time, forcing fans to choose between the two.  On June 17, 1996, Monday Nitro won the battle of the Monday night ratings for the first time.  And It would go on to win the ratings war for the next 84 weeks in a row.

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It would take WCW two years to claw its way back to the top, thanks to the outrageous programming of the Attitude Era.

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Contact:

Twitter: @1990shistory

Facebook: @1990shistory

Instagram: @that90spodcast

Email: 90s@curiouscast.ca

Guests:

Kevin Michie, Senior Broadcast & Content Associate, Anchor, Sportsnet.ca Contributor

Twitter: @kevinmichie

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