WWE Tribute to the Troops

WWE Tribute to the Troops is a professional wrestling event held every year since 2003 by WWE and Armed Forces Entertainment in December around Christmas and Hanukkah. The shows are made to honor the United States military. The event features wrestlers from WWE competing in matches against each other and are free for any troop member to visit. 

From its first show in 2003 until the 2009 edition, Tribute to the Troops took place on open fields in Iraq and Afghanistan as special episodes of SmackDown or Raw. Along the travel, wrestlers and employees stopped at autograph sessions and local hospitals to visit those who fight and may have been injured in war. Since 2010, Tribute to the Troops is held in the United States. Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital were among the hospitals visited by WWE's employees.

In 2004, USO of Metropolitan Washington awarded the WWE the first Legacy of Hope award for their extensive support of their troops and the USO’s Operation Care Package program. In 2006, WWE received the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service award. It was presented to WWE Chairman, Vince McMahon and other wrestlers.When he got the award, McMahon gave it to wrestler, John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL), noting that Tribute to the Troops was his original idea. WWE also got recognition from General Casey, the Commander of Multinational Forces Iraq. The WWE generally stayed for three days.

Overall, 21 events have taken place since 2003. They air December every year, as they are intended to be a holiday treat for the troops (excluding the 2021 edition, which was held in October and aired in November). Not every WWE wrestler and employee attends them, but any wrestler willing to go may attend. The shows feature wrestlers from all brands.

 Dates and Venues 
No.DateAirdateVenueLocationNotes1Camp VictoryBaghdad, IraqThis was a special episode of SmackDown.2Camp SpeicherTikrit, Iraq3Bagram Air BaseBagram, AfghanistanThis was a special episode of Raw.4Camp VictoryBaghdad, Iraq5Camp SpeicherTikrit, Iraq6Camp VictoryBaghdad, Iraq7Holt Memorial Stadium (Balad Air Base)Balad, Iraq8Fort HoodKilleen, Texas9Norfolk ScopeNorfolk, Virginia10Crown ColiseumFayetteville, North Carolina11Joint Base Lewis-McChordTacoma, Washington12Columbus Civic CenterColumbus, Georgia13Jacksonville Veterans Memorial ArenaJacksonville, Florida14Verizon CenterWashington, D.C.15Naval Base San DiegoSan Diego, California16Fort HoodKilleen, Texas17N/AMarine Corps Air Station New River
Marine Corps Base Camp LejeuneJacksonville, North CarolinaThis was a non-televised event.18Amway CenterOrlando, Florida19Toyota ArenaOntario, California20Gainbridge FieldhouseIndianapolis, Indiana21Amica Mutual PavilionProvidence, Rhode IslandThis was a live special episode of SmackDown.

References

Other websites
Official website

Category:WWE television programs