The title is from the boxing match "The Thrilla in Manila," the third and final match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier for the championship fought in Quezon City, Metro Manila, the Philippines, on October 1, 1975.
This episode features the most special guest stars of any episode including Yasmine Bleeth, Leon White, Robert Goulet, and Chuck Riley.
In the 'Adam Scott Meets World'-episode of the rewatch-podcast 'Pod Meets World', Rider Scott reveals that he, Will Friedle and creator Michael Jacobs actually recorded an audio-commentary for this episode, which was supposed to be released on the Second Season DVD box-set. The episode was however deemed so random and bizarre, that Jacobs demanded a different episode to record their commentary to, leaving this one off the set.
Guest stars Kelly Packard and Yasmine Bleeth both appeared as regulars on Baywatch.