Tribute to the Troops 2012 The 2012 Tribute to the Troops was an event that took place at Norfolk Scope in Norfolk , Virginia . The event was billed as the " Most Patriotic Show of the Year . " It is the 10th Tribute to the Troops show . It was broadcasted on December 19 , 2012 . 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 . The Celtic Warrior joined forces with Randy Orton to battle World Heavyweight Champion Big Show and Dolph Ziggler in the opening contest of WWE Tribute to the Troops . Sheamus and Orton were ready for a fight , keeping The World ’ s Largest Athlete and The Showoff reeling . With The Viper dominating Ziggler early in the contest , the World Heavyweight Champion and Mr . Money in the Bank decided to walk away from the bout and were counted out . SmackDown General Manager Booker T then restarted the match and demanded that a winner be decided . Unfortunately , Ziggler and Big Show were never truly on the same page and Orton and Sheamus took advantage . Despite Orton aggravating his shoulder injury , the teamwork and resilience displayed by The Celtic Warrior and WWE ’ s Apex Predator — as well as an RKO and Brogue Kick delivered to Big Show — were enough to secure victory . Disney ’ s The Muppets joined WWE Superstars and Divas at the 10th anniversary of Tribute to the Troops to honor America ’ s brave service members . Fergie , the U . S . Women ' s Olympic Gymnastics team , LeBron James , Chris Bosh , Dwyane Wade , Katie Couric and other celebrities joined WWE in thanking the men and women of the U . S . military . In addition to the fast - paced WWE action , music sensations Flo Rida and Kid Rock joined WWE and performed for U . S . service members at WWE Tribute to the Troops . Both artists rocked the Norfolk Scope and thanked the brave men and women of the U . S . Armed Forces . Although WWE was in Norfolk to honor America ’ s brave men and women , Alberto Del Rio wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of his personal ring announcer , Ricardo Rodriguez . Before The Mexican Aristocrat could finish his rendition of “ Happy Birthday ” in Spanish , Ryback made his way to the ring — ready to get their match underway . During the battle , Ryback used his raw power to gain an edge against his experienced and cunning opponent . However , an assist from Rodriguez allowed Del Rio the opportunity to nearly defeat the monstrous competitor . Alas , the hungry Superstar ’ s strength and tenacity proved to be too much , and as he prepared to take down The Mexican Aristocrat with the Meathook clothesline , Rodriguez jumped on Ryback , ending the contest by disqualification . After the match ended , Rodriguez paid for his interference as he and Del Rio were left Shell Shocked . On a special edition of “ Miz TV , ” The Awesome One tried to get to the bottom of the relationship between Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy . In an effort to answer the question once and for all , The Miz asked Kermit if he wanted to marry Miss Piggy . Kermit said “ yes , ” but before the nuptials could commence , Damien Sandow interrupted — disgusted by The Miz , Kermit and Miss Piggy ’ s lack of inspiration . As Sandow berated Miss Piggy , The Awesome One attacked the self - proclaimed “ Intellectual Savior of the Masses ” before challenging him to a match . Following their altercation on “ Miz TV , ” The Awesome One and Damien Sandow locked up as Kermit and Miss Piggy observed the action , cheering on The Miz alongside the WWE Universe . The former WWE Champion had his work cut out for him considering the self - proclaimed “ Intellectual Savior of the Masses ” has proved he is a force to be reckoned with . Fortunately for The Miz , years of experience worked in his favor as he reversed a pinfall and secured the three - count . The WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No teamed up with R - Truth to face 3MB at the 10th anniversary of WWE Tribute to the Troops . The deck looked stacked against the champions and Truth as they were joining forces for the first time against a trio that has shown over the past few weeks that they are in sync . Looking for any reason to party — a victory in front of America ’ s bravest men and women would give 3MB a huge boost . Nonetheless , the combined efforts and experience of Team Hell No & R - Truth proved to be too much for the air guitar - playing trio and they left Norfolk a bit out of tune . Although WWE was honoring America troops , that did not stop Swiss - born U . S . Champion Antonio Cesaro from berating America and explaining his superiority over the nation he represents as champion . In front of the men and women of the U . S . Armed Forces , however , Cesaro faced his most daunting challenge to date — 10 - time WWE Champion John Cena . The Swiss Superman has undoubtedly proven he is a formidable competitor , and defeating the Cenation leader in front of the military would elevate him to new heights . Cena is a competitor who never quits — but he is also one of the strongest Superstars in WWE . Seeing Cesaro in action — especially at Tribute to the Troops , where he displayed his incredible power by lifting and tossing Cena around — certainly puts the Swiss Superstar in that category as well . Though the two Superstars stood toe - to - toe in the center of the ring trading blows , Cena ’ s experience overwhelmed the United States Champion to take full control of the bout ’ s momentum . With the men and women of the U . S . military in his corner , Cena delivered an Attitude Adjustment to his opponent , securing the victory .