5. WWE Take A Little Attitude From ECW
Although the term 'Attitude Era' is most commonly associated with WWF, the company owed a lot to Paul Heyman and ECW. The Philadelphia-based promotion were the first to really popularise a hardcore style of wrestling (borrowed from Japanese promotions like FMW), a style WWF were heavily influenced by during their most successful period. As well as aping ECW's style and tone, Vince McMahon and co. also took some of their workers directly. The most high-profile moves came at (or just before) the turn of the 21st century, as first the Dudley Boyz and then Tazz jumped ship as ECW was on the verge of collapse. WWF and ECW actually struck a surprising deal, allowing Tazz to return to his former promotion for one match, defeating Mike Awesome - who had himself jumped ship to WCW - for the ECW Championship. He held the title for ten days, and even wore the belt to several WWF shows, including a televised episode of SmackDown.