Tag: Tribute To The Troops

  • WWE Running More Online Angles, Vince-Divas, Ziggler News

    – WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is said to have a love/hate relationship with the divas division as of late. While Vince has mandated that both RAW and SmackDown each feature at least one divas segment each week, he often thinks it’s a waste of time and instructs Michael Cole to talk about unrelated topics during the diva matches.

    – Expect to see more storylines begin and progress online – through the WWE website and Twitter. Friday’s “Mask vs. Mask” match between the two Sin Caras are an example of an angle being announced online but not pushed on television.

    – WWE United States Champion Dolph Ziggler is getting praised backstage regarding how he comes across like a star in his interviews. Additionally, Ziggler recently got some backstage praise for carrying Mason Ryan to a good match.

    – This year’s Tribute to the Troops special will be taped on December 11th from the Crown Colliseum in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The show will first air on the USA Network on 12/13 as a 2-hour special and will then air later that weekend on 12/17 NBC.  Considering the fact that Tribute to the Troops has performed poorly on NBC in recent years, some believe WWE airing the show first on the USA Network can be WWE’s excuse if the rating on NBC bombs again this year.

    (Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • WWE Ranks Top 10 Submission Stars, Correction On SD Rating

    — WWE posted a video on YouTube ranking the top 10 greatest WWE submission Superstars of all time. The ranking is as follows:

    10. Tazz

    9. William Regal

    8. Sgt. Slaughter

    7. Daniel Bryan

    6. Dean Malenko

    5. Chris Jericho

    4. Ric Flair

    3. Bob Backlund

    2. Kurt Angle

    1. Bret Hart

    Daniel Bryan criticized Flair’s Figure Four finishing maneuver by saying he didn’t win a lot of matches with it and therefore wouldn’t rate at the top.

    — It was reported that last Tuesday’s live SmackDown episode on the USA Network drew a 2.5 cable rating. According to television industry sources, the show actually drew a 2.2 overall cable rating, with 3,812,000 viewers.

    — Wednesday’s Tribute to the Troops broadcast on the USA Network drew a 1.8 cable rating over the course of two hours, with 3,013,000 viewers. The show did hours of 1.8 and 1.7.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • MVP On Good Terms With WWE, Trish & Austin Celebrate B-days

    — Since parting ways with WWE a few weeks ago, MVP is generally looking to work in Europe and Japan. He wanted to leave the organization because he felt he wasn’t being used well and was tired of being buried. Management indicated to him that he left on good terms and would be welcome back, providing he doesn’t join TNA Wrestling. Many believe he won’t join TNA, at least for the time being, as to not upset WWE.

    — WWE Talent Relations head John Laurinaitis was told this past week that a lot of wrestlers are working hurt and if they aren’t given time off, more serious injuries will incur.

    — Jim Ross indicated on his official website today that he will be on hand for tomorrow night’s WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view in Houston, Texas.

    — The term “WWE Tribute to the Troops” is the number one trending topic today on Yahoo.com.

    — Both Steve Austin and Trish Stratus are celebrating birthdays today. “Stone Cold” turns 46 years old while the former WWE Women’s Champion turns 35.

    partial source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • *Spoilers* WWE Tribute to the Troops 2010 Taping Results

    – R-Truth (accompanied by Eve) beat Ted DiBiase (accompanied by Maryse) with the Lie Detector.

    – Kofi Kingston and Big Show beat Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger. The match concluded when Big Show chokeslammed Jack Swagger. Miss Usa Rima Fakih was the special guest ring announcer.

    – Natalya, Kelly Kelly and The Bella Twins beat Melina, Lay-Cool and Alicia Fox. The match concluded with Kelly gaining the pinfall.

    – Message from former United States President George W. Bush airs.

    – Mark Henry wins a 15-Man Battle Royal, last eliminating Sheamus. Other participants were Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, Cody Rhodes, Daniel Bryan, David Otunga, Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater, Husky Harris, John Morrison, Justin Gabriel, Michael McGillicutty, Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov.

    – Hornswoggle and Sherri Shepherd appear ringside for a segment.

    – Kane takes on Major General Grimsley (Fort Hood Commander) in an Arm Wrestling Contest, which is interrupted by Edge.

    – Message from United States President Barack Obama airs.

    – John Cena, Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio beat The Miz (accompanied by Alex Riley), Wade Barrett and Alberto Del Rio. The match concluded with Cena pinning Del Rio following the Attitude Adjustment.

    – Post-match, D-Generation X — Triple H and Shawn Michaels — take part in an in-ring celebration with the babyfaces.

    (Thanks to SPC McClouston, Patrick for show results)

  • More Troops 2010 Notes – Rey Unmasks, Orton Bleeds (Spoilers)

    — Randy Orton accidentally bled during the Tribute to the Troops main event — John Cena, Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio vs. The Miz, Wade Barrett and Alberto Del Rio — which he acknowledged last night on Twitter.

    “Had a great time at Ft. Hood today. Met many people both military and civilian, and we put on one hell of a show. Got split open in the match, curious what makes show,” he wrote.

    — In a correction from a match result, R-Truth actually beat Ted DiBiase with the Corkscrew scissors kick, not the Lie Detector.

    — The participants of the 15-Man Battle Royal were Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, Cody Rhodes, Daniel Bryan, David Otunga, Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater, Husky Harris, John Morrison, Justin Gabriel, Mark Henry, Michael McGillicutty, Santino Marella, Sheamus and Vladimir Kozlov.

    — The entire locker room — sans Vince McMahon — took part in in-ring celebration at the conclusion of the show and kayfabe was completely thrown out the window (i.e. John Cena joking with members of The Nexus).

    — Kaval and Tyler Reks were brought to the event, but weren’t used during the live show.

    — After most of the audience had cleared out of Sadowski Field, Rey Mysterio took off his mask and gave it to a soldier. He asked those near him if anyone was going to take a picture and apparently no one did.

    — Regarding the result for 8-Diva Santa’s Little Helper Match, Michelle McCool succumbed to Kelly Kelly following the K2.

    (Thanks to SPC McClouston, Patrick for additional notes)

  • Michaels Comments On Troops Event, Friends Remember Umaga

    — Shawn Michaels says he will be on hand for WWE’s annual Tribute to the Troops event, which takes place next Saturday in Fort Hood, Texas and airs the subsequent Saturday on NBC.

    “I will be at the Tribute to the Troops show,” he wrote on Twitter. “However not performing or anything. I’m just there to visit & pay respect 2 the troops.”

    — Friends of Edward Fatu (a/k/a Umaga) have been posting messages today on Twitter acknowledging the one-year anniversary of his passing.

    “Tonight in Houston, we gather with the Fatu’s and friends to celebrate Eki’s life,” wrote former WWE talent Charlie Haas. “We miss you and will always remember you, USO.”

    Umaga’s former manager Armando Estrada wrote, “RIP Eddie Fatu, aka Umaga. Can’t believe it’s been a year. Miss ya, big Uce.” Jeff Hardy added, “Umaga, I miss and love ya, my brother.”

    Fatu’s cause of death was ruled as acute toxicity due to combined effects of hydrocodone, carisoprodol, and diazepam.

  • Wrestlers & Celebrities Announced For “Tribute to the Troops”

    World Wrestling Entertainment issued a press release today announcing that Dirty Money, Cedric “The Entertainer” and Ariel Winter will perform on the upcoming Tribute to the Troops special.

    It was also noted that Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Randy Orton, Big Show, and WWE Champion The Miz, among others, would be competing on the show.

    Sean Combs’ Diddy – Dirty Money, Cedric the Entertainer, and Ariel Winter to Perform on NBC’s “WWE(R) Tribute to the Troops(R)” Holiday Special December 18 at 9:00PM

    STAMFORD, Conn., Dec 01, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — World Wrestling Entertainment(R) and NBC today announced that multiple-platinum, Grammy-winning hip-hop artist, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ new group Diddy – Dirty Money, charismatic King of Comedy, Cedric “The Entertainer”, and “Modern Family’s” Ariel Winter will join WWE on NBC’s third annual holiday special telecast, “WWE Tribute to the Troops.” The hour-long special honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces will air Saturday, December 18 (9-10 p.m. ET / 8-9 p.m. CT) on NBC.

    The star-studded holiday event, taped at Fort Hood, Texas will feature music from Diddy – Dirty Money who will perform “Coming Home” off their new album “Last Train to Paris.” Emmy-winner Ariel Winter will sing “The National Anthem” and Cedric “The Entertainer” will bring his award-winning brand of comedy to the special . The telecast will also star “The View’s” Sherri Shepherd spreading holiday cheer and Miss USA, Rima Fakih, who will announce WWE matches featuring such WWE Superstars as John Cena(R), Randy Orton(R), The Miz(R), Rey Mysterio(R), The Big Show(R), and others.

    Thousands of men and women based at Fort Hood have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. “WWE Tribute to the Troops” will chronicle WWE Superstars and Divas visiting Fort Hood to meet with the troops and their families this holiday season, culminating with a special live in-ring performance in front of thousands of military personnel.

    This special marks the eighth consecutive year that WWE will bring its one of a kind entertainment to our service men and women to thank them for their commitment to the country and recognition of their sacrifices. “WWE Tribute to the Troops” has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV’s most patriotic and heartwarming show of the year.

  • Date & Location For Tribute to the Troops, Video Profile On Edge

    — According to an SPC stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, signs have been posted around the military base advertising WWE’s annual Tribute to the Troops event for Saturday, Dec. 11.

    The hour-long special will air 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. CST the following Saturday on NBC and chronicle WWE Superstars and Divas visiting Fort Hood to meet with the troops and their families, culminating with a live in-ring performance in front of thousands of military personnel.

    — A clip of Edge’s profile in WWE’s forthcoming Top 50 Superstars of All Time DVD has been released. The clip highlights his WWE career in under three minutes and features comments from fellow colleagues such as John Cena and William Regal.

    To view the video profile, click here.

    — Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia has been announced for Wizard World’s Miami Comic Con, which takes place Feb. 26-27 at the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami, Florida.

  • WWE Reveals Plans For This Year’s “Tribute to the Troops” Show

    WWE issued the following press release today:

    THE MOST PATRIOTIC SHOW OF THE YEAR, “WWE TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS®,” COMES TO NBC SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18TH AT 9 PM ET
    Starring WWE® Superstars and Divas, Miss USA®, Rima Fakih, and The View’s Sherri Shepherd

    NEW YORK, NY – November 9, 2010 – World Wrestling Entertainment®, in conjunction with NBC, will honor the United States Armed Forces with its third annual telecast of its holiday special, “WWE Tribute to the Troops.” This year, top WWE Superstars and Divas will travel to Fort Hood, Texas to entertain the nearly 350,000 military personnel, family members, and civilians that make up the largest active duty armored post in the United States Armed Services. Thousands of men and women from Fort Hood have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The hour-long special will air Saturday, December 18 (9-10 p.m. ET / 8-9 p.m. CT) on NBC.

    “WWE Tribute to the Troops” will chronicle WWE Superstars and Divas visiting Fort Hood to meet with the troops and their families this holiday season, culminating with a special live in-ring performance in front of thousands of military personnel. In the grand tradition of Bob Hope, this year’s show will feature appearances by The View’s Sherri Shepherd and Miss USA, Rima Fakih, and performances by special musical guests and a comedian to be announced in the upcoming weeks.

    In keeping with the spirit of “Tribute to the Troops” of bringing a little piece of Americana to our men and women overseas, WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon along with WWE Superstars Kelly Kelly®, Big Show®, and Eve™ will also head to Afghanistan on a goodwill tour in early December. This tour will be highlighted on the special.

    This trip marks the eighth consecutive year that WWE will bring its one of a kind entertainment to our service men and women to thank them for their commitment to the country and recognition of their sacrifices. “WWE Tribute to the Troops” has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV’s most patriotic and heartwarming show of the year.

  • Change For Elimination Chamber, Tribute to the Troops Update

    — It has been confirmed that next year’s WWE Elimination Chamber will take place at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on Feb. 20.

    WWE had planned to hold the show at Madison Square Garden, but a conflict with an afternoon New York Rangers game would have made the setup for the Chamber impossible within the company’s time frame.

    — Sheamus appears today in Bloomington, Minnesota at the Best Buy in the Mall of America. The autograph signing, which begins at 1:30 p.m., is limited to 300 people.

    — Both WWE and UFC have discussed holding their annual events honoring the United States troops in Fort Hood, Texas. With neither entity heading overseas, WWE has discussing holding their show on Dec. 15, while UFC has Jan. 22 in mind. Neither dates are official at this point.

    (sources: pwinsider.com, f4wonline.com)

  • WWE Confirms No “Tribute To The Troops” Event This Year

    World Wrestling Entertainment has confirmed to Yahoo! Sports that they will not be holding their annual Tribute to the Troops event this year.

    While there are no plans to hold the special event this year from an overseas base, company officials have discussed the possibility of visiting a base in the United States and doing a similar-style event.

  • Changes to SmackDown, TTTT Update, New Rock Movie

    – As we reported here a few days ago, the WWE crew will not be flying overseas to Iraq this December for its annual “Tribute to the Troops” show. According to our sources, much of the WWE crew was actually relieved. While the WWE crwe ad no real problems with the Iraq trips, the constant flying on a cargo plane is something nobody will miss. There has been talks of doing a Tribute to the Troops show in the United States.

    – With WWE SmackDown’s move to SyFy, there are plans to add more of an “entertainment” aspect to the show.

    – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is rumored to play Sinbad in a new production of “Arabian Nights.” The WWE legend is in talks to star in the film directed by Chuck Russell, who also worked on Johnson’s first big hit, “The Scorpion King.”

  • WWE Thanks Obama & Petraeus for Holiday Messages

    World Wrestling Entertainment sent out the following this week touting Saturday’s “Tribute to the Troops” NBC special, which will feature recorded messages from President Barack Obama and General David Petraeus:

    WWE(R) Thanks President Obama and General Petraeus for Holiday Messages

    STAMFORD, Conn., Dec 17, 2009 — World Wrestling Entertainment(R) would like to thank both President Obama and General Petraeus for providing the WWE(R) with taped, non-partisan holiday messages to the men and women in the US Armed Forces to be included in our annual special, “Tribute to the Troops,” this Saturday on NBC at 9 PM ET. This marks the second year that the Commander in Chief has provided a special message for the troops.

    For the last seven years, WWE has traveled to the Middle East to entertain troops serving overseas in appreciation for their service to our country. WWE would also like to thank all those responsible in the White House, First Lady’s office and the US Central Command for making this happen.

    The request process for the President’s video began in April 2009, when WWE met with Trooper Sanders, Deputy Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady. WWE continued these discussions after Labor Day as requested. In November, WWE was pleased to receive confirmation from Matt Flavin, Director of Veterans and Wounded Warrior Policy at the White House, that a Presidential message would be supplied for “Tribute to the Troops.” WWE supplied background information, as well as our production and deadline needs. We received confirmation on Monday that President Obama’s message had been taped, and it was delivered on Tuesday morning.

    We are hopeful that everyone, especially the service men and women of the Armed Forces and their families, enjoy “Tribute to the Troops.”

    *Spoilers* Tribute To The Troops Tapings Results

  • President Obama Appearing On WWE’s “Tribute To The Troops”

    WWE issued the following announcement today:

    President Obama To Deliver Special Holiday Message to the Troops this Saturday on NBC’s `WWE Tribute to the Troops’ Holiday Special

    The holiday season is approaching and once again World Wrestling Entertainment® in conjunction with NBC will honor the United States Armed Forces. Taking ‘the reins from Bob Hope,’ Vince McMahon and the WWE Superstars and Divas traveled to the Middle East for the seventh consecutive year to put smiles on the faces of the men and women of the U.S. military.

    The hour-long holiday special will air this Saturday, December 19 at 9:00 PM ET /8:00 PM CT on NBC.

    President Barack Obama via tape will deliver a special Holiday message to the troops. In addition, General David H. Petraeus, Commander, U.S. Central Command, will also deliver his holiday wishes.

    WWE Tribute to the Troops chronicles the three days that the WWE Superstars and Divas visited multiple forward operating bases to meet the troops, culminating with a special live performance in front of thousands of military personnel. The WWE makes its annual pilgrimage in recognition of the sacrifices made by our nation’s service men and women and to thank the troops for their commitment to our country.

    *SPOILER* Results for Saturday’s WWE TRIBUTE to the TROOPS Special

  • *Spoilers* WWE Tribute To The Troops Taping Results

    Thanks to SGT Jason Moore for sending these *Spoilers* from WWE’s Tribute to the Troops tapings:

    Hello my name is SGT Jason Moore. I am based at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. I was at the “Tribute to the Troops” show today and here is what happened.

    * MVP over Chris Masters

    * Mark Henry & Rey Mysterio over C.M. Punk and Carlito

    * The Miz over John Morrison

    * R-Truth came out dressed as Santa with the Divas and threw stuff to the crowd.

    * John Cena (with the title) over Chris Jericho

    He never mentioned Sheamus what so ever. He thanked the troops and did a speech. I have enclosed a picture of Cena after the match with the title.

    Cena In Iraq