WWE "Tribute to the Troops" Report
December 19, 2009
Taped in Iraq; Aired on NBC
By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE changed up the regular "beginning of every WWE TV show" video intro that started the show. The long-standing "Hulkamania is Running Wild" soundbyte was replaced by the familiar "Everyone has a price" soundbyte from Ted DiBiase. (Thanks to Torch reader Adam Long for confirming the change.)

The WWE show started with a video package introducing highlights of the trip. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawlere did voice-overs from Stamford, Conn. as they showed several camera shots of the live audience. Tonight, it's John Cena vs. Chris Jericho in the main event of the show.

In-ring: Rey Mysterio came to the ring dressed in GI Joe-style Army gear. He took off his mask and gave it to a serviceman ringside before coming to the ring. They went to a wide-shot of the outdoor arena that was set up in the middle of the Army base for an afternoon taping. Mark Henry then came out as Rey's partner. Cole let us know Henry loves to have fun. About as simple as you can get. Carlito's music hit to bring out Carlito as one-half of the heel tandem. C.M. Punk then came out as Carlito's partner. Coincidentally, ROH is currently airing a classic Punk vs. Brian Kendrick match from the ROH tape library.

1 -- REY MYSTERIO & MARK HENRY vs. C.M. PUNK & CARLITO

Rey and Henry took turns dominating the match, with Henry getting in most of the offense. Rey then took a hot tag when Punk and Carlito tried to isolate Henry for a bit. It didn't work out, though, and Rey did his comeback routine before hitting the West Coast Pop on Carlito for the pin and the win. Rey jumped in Henry's arms after the victory to celebrate.

WINNERS: Mysterio & Henry in 5:00. Fine warm-up match to set the tone for the babyfaces conquering evil to inspire the troops and the viewers watching on NBC. (*)

Video package: They aired a photo album-style video with snapshots of the wrestlers interacting with the troops in a variety of different settings.

[Commercial Break. The "Sherlock Holmes" movie appears to be the heavy advertiser for the WWE special.]

[Q2]

In-ring: Eve was in the ring and she introduced Santa Clause for a special presentation. Out came R-Truth rapping in a giant Santa suit. Truth proceeded to cut a promo about Santa putting on a few pounds because of the cookies and sweets. He then asked for something sweet and out came Layla, Alicia, Kelly Kelly, and the Bella Twins dressed in Santa's Helper outfits. They tossed out presents and handed out kisses to the troops.

Obama video: 20 minutes into the show, President Obama's brief message aired that WWE posted on their site this weekend. No mention of WWE. Just a basic message aimed at the troops. Read the Full Text here.

[Commercial Break]

Video package: They aired a lengthy video on the wrestlers interacting with the troops during their stay in Iraq earlier this month to film the show. Good video rightfully focusing on the troops that took up about three or four minutes.

[Commercial Break]

[Q3]

Video package: They aired a few shots of the Army in action. This led to a message from General Petreaus, who aimed the message specifically at WWE for showcasing the troops on the trip. This was a longer message than Obama's and WWE included various action shots of the soldiers in action. Some troops were given air time to send messages back home.

In-ring: U.S. champion The Miz came to the ring for a singles match against former tag partner, John Morrison. Morrison was shown with the IC Title, which he lost to Drew McIntyre at the TLC PPV. Cole added on commentary that it was taped as a champion vs. champion match, but "many of the viewers know" that Drew McIntyre is the new champ.

2 -- U.S. champion THE MIZ vs. JOHN MORRISON -- non-title match

Miz knocked down Morrison early on, then Morrison came back with a dropkick into a standing Shooting Star Press for a two count. Morrison went up top, but Miz shoved Morrison off the top rope to the outside. Miz in control back in the ring and he let the troops know about it. Morrison tried to make a comeback, but Miz rolled him up near the ropes and put his feet on the ropes to secure a pin for the win with additional leverage. Cole let the mainstream audience know that's not allowed in WWE.

WINNER: The Miz in 4:00. Basic singles match with the heel getting the upper-hand this time around. Fine. (*)

Video package: They rolled footage of John Cena's promo addressing the troops. Various shots of Cena through the years wrestling on behalf of the military. Good video showcasing Cena's dedication to the cause for six years. Up next: WWE Title on the line (not really) with Cena vs. Chris Jericho.

[Commercial Break]

[Q4]

In-ring: Chris Jericho came to the ring for the main event title match. No promo. John Cena then came out with possession of the WWE Title belt. Cole said in the voice-over commentary that Cena lost the title to the "up-and-coming" Sheamus at TLC on Sunday. Eve handled the formal ring intros for Jericho (boos) and Cena (all cheers in front of a favorable audience).

3 -- JOHN CENA vs. CHRIS JERICHO -- WWE Title match without the title

The bell sounded and Cena wanted a clean lock-up to start, but Jericho kicked him in the knees to begin working over Cena. They rolled credits at the bottom of the screen for Dave Finlay as talent producer and John Laurinaitis as VP of Talent. Michael Cole was credited for WWE.com. The wrestlers weren't credited since they're not protected by any form of a union despite being actors in a scripted entertainment TV series. But that's a discussion for another time. Jericho was in control going to break.

[Commercial Break]

Jericho was in control out of the break. Cena then made his standard comeback and blocked a Jericho comeback to hit the Attitude Adjustment center ring. Cena made the cover for the win with good overcoming evil two out of three times on the show.

WINNER: Cena in 8:00. Fine, standard singles match. Just some basic wrestling on the show tonight while rightfully focusing on the troops. (*)

Video package: They closed the show with another video package focusing on the troops with some clips sprinkled in of the wrestlers interacting with the troops. The video ended with shots of the troops saluting the U.S. flag and a rapid-fire look at how the "arena" was set up on the base for the show. The closing shots were of Rey Mysterio body-surfing the troops, John Cena standing amongst the troops, and a shot of the U.S. flag.

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