The history behind WWE Tribute to the Troops
WWE Tribute to the Troops 2020 took place on Sunday, 6th December 2020, and was the latest instalment in the yearly event that WWE holds to show their gratitude to the men who risk their lives for the United States of America.
The event is done in collaboration with Armed Forces Entertainment and was started in 2003 as a way of entertaining the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The WWE Superstars used to visit military camps and training ground abroad to entertain the US Troops posted outside America. Recently, the shows are held very much within the boundaries of the USA. The first Tribute to the Troops within the domestic borders was held in 2010 in Killeen, Texas.
The idea is credited to former WWE wrestler John “Bradshaw” Layfield who is believed to have suggested the idea to Vince McMahon in 2003; and WWE went on to host the show that year on December 20, 2003, in the capital of Iraq.
The show is solely for the purpose of entertaining the personnel who serve in the US military, and the event has grown in stature over the years to get recognition and plaudits from the President of the United States.
George W. Bush thanked WWE in 2008, and then in 2010, for providing the ‘gift of entertainment’ to the troops every holiday season. The 2010 and 2011 editions broadcasted a special message from the then US president Barack Obama, thanking the troops for their service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The event has seen several memorable matches, such as Stone Cold Steve Austin giving stunners to John Cena and Big Show after the 2003 main event.
D-Generation X members Shawn Michaels and Triple H defeating Umaga and Mr. Kennedy in the 2007 main event, and John Cena defending his WWE Championship belt against Chris Jericho in Iraq in the 2009 main event.
The event has had 18 yearly telecasts, with the most recent one being on December 6th, 2020 in Florida.
The event took place on Sunday and had a mouth-watering match card which featured The Miz, Sasha Banks, Natalya, Drew McIntyre, Jeff Hardy, and Rey Mysterio amongst others.
The opening match featured the Street Profits, Daniel Bryan, Jeff Hardy & Rey Mysterio going up against King Corbin, Elias, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode. Daniel Bryan caught impressive air-time to pin Sami Zayn and his team a victory.
Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair went up against Bayley & Natalya in a match which saw Sasha revive her rivalry with Bayley. The WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion put Natalya in a submission hold to secure herself and Bianca Blair a victory.
In the main event, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre put on a marvellous show to secure a huge victory against The Miz in a non-title match.
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