WWE's annual Tribute to the Troops special aired on the USA Network on December 13, 2011. It opened with a taped message from President Barack Obama stating that all U.S. troops would be out of Iraq by the end of next month and wishing everyone a merry Christmas.
Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett
The night's first match began with Randy Orton landing a series of punches and a clothesline on Wade Barrett. He dominated the offense until Barrett hit him with strong kicks and knees. Orton fought out of a headlock but Barrett came back with a powerful slam. Orton regained control by superplexing Barrett off the top rope.
As the match became a brawl outside the ring, both men were counted out. Barrett brought a table into the ring after the bell, but was attacked by Orton. David Otunga stopped the assault and Orton RKO'ed him, then put him through the table.
Backstage, Barrett told Josh Mathews he would defeat Orton at TLC. In the arena, Nickelback performed the Raw theme song "Burn It To the Ground". Their performance was followed by a segment showing Eve Torres, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Kofi Kingston and Alberto Del Rio trying their hand at skydiving under the direction of the aerial unit at Fort Bragg.
Zack Ryder vs. Jack Swagger
Dolph Ziggler accompanied Jack Swagger to the ring for his match with Zack Ryder. A WWE legend came out to support Ryder: Sergeant Slaughter, wearing a "Broski" headband beneath his hat. Swagger countered Ryder's early offense, and attacked both him and Slaughter outside the ring. Ryder came back and hit the Rough Ryder to win the match, and Slaughter put Swagger in the Cobra Clutch after the bell.
The Bella Twins, Beth Phoenix & Natalya vs. Kelly Kelly, Eve Torres, Alicia Fox & Maria Menounos
The night's Divas match featured an appearance from Extra host Maria Menounos. While the heels gained the early advantage thanks to a series of distractions, Menounos won by rolling up Beth Phoenix after a chaotic melee. A comedy routine from George Wallace preceded a recap of the rivalry between Triple H and Kevin Nash.
Daniel Bryan vs. Cody Rhodes
Booker T joined Michael Cole and Jerry "The King" Lawler for the next match. Cody Rhodes immediately attacked Daniel Bryan's injured ribs and tossed him into the turnbuckle. He maintained the offensive advantage for most of the match, countering all of Bryan's attempts to gain momentum. He ultimately lost due to interference from Booker, who punched him to stop his taunting and gave Bryan the opening for a rollup. Rhodes and Booker fought again after the bell, and Booker got the best of him. The match was followed by Mary J. Blige performing her new single "Need Someone".
Air Boom vs. Primo & Epico
Tag Team Champions Air Boom competed together for the first time since Evan Bourne returned from his 30-day suspension, dominating the early part of their contest against Primo and Epico. The momentum shifted when Primo broke up a pin attempt from Bourne and sent Kofi Kingston flying out of the ring. The distraction gave Epico the opportunity to pin Bourne and win the match. Nickelback returned to perform their current single "When We Stand Together" after the bell.
Sheamus vs. Drew McIntyre
Sheamus' ring entrance interrupted a promo from the still injured Christian. He attacked McIntyre with a series of headbutts, but McIntyre briefly gained offensive momentum and drove Sheamus off with a thumb to his eye. Sheamus responded with a Brogue Kick and pinned McIntyre. After a commercial break, Blige returned and performed her classic "Family Affair".
John Cena, CM Punk & The Big Show vs. Alberto Del Rio, The Miz & Mark Henry
The night's main event featured three of the WWE's biggest faces squaring off against a trio of heels. The most spectacular spot involved CM Punk leaping off The Big Show's shoulders for an elbow drop onto The Miz. As the match deteriorated into a melee, Show chokeslammed Alberto Del Rio and Punk hit Miz with the GTS.
A strong right hand from Show to Mark Henry's face allowed John Cena to land the Attitude Adjustment on him and win the match. Cena concluded the show by thanking "all the men and women who choose to don the uniform of the United States military".
Paul Brown - Paul Ferrell Brown graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1994 with a B.A. in English literature, and completed his M.A. in ...
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