WWE Superstars and Divas Entertain Troops at Joint Base Balad, Iraq
WWE Tribute to the Troops took place in December of 2009, as a way to support the troops. It aired on December 19th, 2009 on NBC, although it was filmed in Iraq on December 4, 2009.
“It’s awesome; it’s really our Super Bowl,” said Vince McMahon, chairman of the WWE. “Everyone thinks Wrestle Mania is [the big event], but it’s really not. This is our seventh year over and this is the biggest thing we do all year. We just thoroughly enjoy it. The handshake tour is one thing, but to be able to set up shop and actually broadcast television from here is something special.”
Sgt. Michael A. Carruth, battalion maintenance office clerk with Task Force 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment out of McComb, Mississippi, and a Summit, Mississippi native, said the divas were the highlight of the show, but he enjoyed the visit as a whole.
“As an avid fan of the WWE, it was fantastic,” Carruth said. “I found the superstars of wrestling, and especially Mr. McMahon, to be very humble and friendly. Some went out of their way to say thank you and pose for photos with the troops – very down to earth. I was only able to shake hands and say ‘thank you’ to Mr. McMahon before the show; he said ‘No, thank you for your service.’ It seemed that he was genuinely humble and meant it.”
McMahon said the WWE staff considers the trip to Iraq a privilege, especially because they spend time with troops when their families cannot. He said he wanted to show his support for the men and woman of the armed services.
“This is a small token of our appreciation on behalf of everybody at WWE, on behalf of everybody back home,” said McMahon. “There is no price tag on that; there is no price tag on freedom. We just came over to say thank you.”
Sgt. Stryker would like to take a moment to give a shout out to the WWE for all they’ve done to support the troops.
Sgt. Stryker … out.
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WWE Superstars, Divas Entertain Troops at JBB
World Wrestling Entertainment superstars John Morrison and the Miz perform for the troops Dec. 4 at Holt Stadium at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. WWE superstars and divas came to Iraq to film and perform the “WWE Tribute to the Troops,” which will air Dec. 19 at 9 p.m. Eastern time. Photo by Sgt. Ryan Twist
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