Tribute to the Troops 2011 The 2011 Tribute to the Troops was an event that took place at Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville , North Carolina . The event was billed as the " Most Patriotic Show of the Year . " It is the 9th Tribute to the Troops show . It was broadcasted on December 18 , 2011 . Summary . In a special video message , President Barack Obama took a moment to thank the U . S . Troops for their selfless sacrifice and service to America and the Nation ’ s interests all over the world . After returning to SmackDown last week , WWE Diva and ring announcer Lilian Garcia made her triumphant return to Tribute to the Troops . In a powerful and heartfelt performance , she sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem in front of a packed arena at Fort Bragg . Days before they meet in a Tables Match as WWE TLC , WWE ’ s Apex Predator battled The Barrett Barrage in front of the men and women of the U . S . military . Orton and Barrett held nothing back and seemed poised to settle their score at Fort Bragg . The battle spilled to the outside where both Superstars were counted out . After the match , the brawl continued and as The Viper prepared to put Barrett through a table , David Otunga interfered to save his former Nexus teammate . Orton fought back and ended up putting Otunga through a table , sending a clear message to The Barrett Barrage . United States Champion Dolph Ziggler joined The All - American American at ringside for Swagger ’ s match against Zack Ryder . However , Long Island Iced - Z felt that Ziggler was an inadequate representation of America and brought out his own ally to stand in his corner … Sgt . Slaughter ! With the former WWE Champion is his corner , Zack Ryder was able to take down Jack Swagger and build on his positive momentum heading into his U . S . Title Match with Ziggler at WWE TLC . After igniting a war of tweets with The Glamazon last week , Maria Menounos returned to the squared circle to compete in front of America ’ s bravest . Teaming with Kelly Kelly , Eve and Alicia Fox , the entertainment reporter was more than ready to grapple with The Glamazon , Natalya and The Bellas . Maria had the last laugh and certainly the last tweet by shockingly pinning the Divas Champion to secure the win . Rhodes and SmackDown Money in the Bank winner Daniel Bryan locked up one night after they battled in a Fatal 4 - Way Match on Raw . Aware that the gutsy Bryan is never one to back down from a challenge , Rhodes targeted his opponent ’ s injured ribs . Although momentum appeared to be in the Intercontinental Champion ’ s corner , an assist from Booker T allowed Bryan to roll up Rhodes for the win . The exciting new tag team of Epico & Primo took to the skies against WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne at Fort Bragg . Cousins , Primo & Epico showed their abilities by keeping up with the agility and fast - paced style of Air Boom . In the end , the cousins may have proved that blood is thicker than water and picked up an impressive win against the WWE Tag Team Champions . At Fort Bragg , The Great White battled The Chosen One as international Superstars collided in front of American soldiers . When McIntyre resorted to nefarious tactics with a poke to the eye , an enraged Celtic Warrior put an end to the Scottish Superstar ’ s efforts with a Brogue Kick , to the delight of our Armed Forces . Champions and WWE ’ s biggest titans faced off in a main event truly worthy of Fort Bragg . Teamwork reigned supreme as WWE Champions CM Punk and Big Show cleared The Miz and Del Rio from the ring and The World ’ s Largest Athlete punched World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry right into an Attitude Adjustment from John Cena for the pinfall . The Cenation leader then thanked the troops for their service and sacrifice . Famous celebrities and personalities such as Robin Williams , Matthew McConaughey , Nicole Kidman , The Muppets and Hugh Jackman sent special video messages to the troops stationed at Fort Bragg . In addition to high - octane competition , award - winning artists Nickelback and Mary J . Blige , as well as comedian George Wallace , joined WWE to entertain the troops . Each artist rocked the arena with electrifying performances and Wallace provided plenty of holiday cheer and laughs .