NORFOLK, Va. — WWE’s Most Patriotic Show of the Year, Tribute to the Troops featured high-octane competition, top notch musical performances from Flo Rida and Kid Rock and special appearances from Disney’s The Muppets, in honor of America’s bravest men and women. Emanating from the U.S. Navy’s largest installation, the 10th anniversary of WWE Tribute to the Troops was an extraordinary experience.
President Obama addressed the troops ( WATCH)
In a special video message, President Barack Obama took a moment to thank the U.S. Troops for their selfless sacrifice and service to America and the nation’s interests all over the world.
Sheamus & Randy Orton def. Big Show & Dolph Ziggler ( PHOTOS | WATCH)
The Celtic Warrior joined forces with Randy Orton to battle World Heavyweight Champion Big Show and Dolph Ziggler in the opening contest of WWE Tribute to the Troops. Sheamus and Orton were ready for a fight, keeping The World’s Largest Athlete and The Showoff reeling. With The Viper dominating Ziggler early in the contest, the World Heavyweight Champion and Mr. Money in the Bank decided to walk away from the bout and were counted out.
SmackDown General Manager Booker T then restarted the match and demanded that a winner be decided. Unfortunately, Ziggler and Big Show were never truly on the same page and Orton and Sheamus took advantage. Despite Orton aggravating his shoulder injury, the teamwork and resilience displayed by The Celtic Warrior and WWE’s Apex Predator — as well as an RKO and Brogue Kick delivered to Big Show — were enough to secure victory.
The Muppets joined WWE in honoring America’s bravest ( PHOTOS | WATCH)
Disney’s The Muppets joined WWE Superstars and Divas at the 10th anniversary of Tribute to the Troops to honor America’s brave service members. ( WATCH: JOSH MATTHEWS INTERVIEWS FOZZIE BEAR | WATCH: DANIEL BRYAN MEETS THE MUPPETS)
Celebrities thank troops ( WATCH)
Fergie, the U.S. Women's Olympic Gymnastics team, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Katie Couric and other celebrities joined WWE in thanking the men and women of the U.S. military.
Flo Rida and Kid Rock entertained the troops ( FLO RIDA PHOTOS | KID ROCK PHOTOS)
In addition to the fast-paced WWE action, music sensations Flo Rida and Kid Rock joined WWE and performed for U.S. service members at WWE Tribute to the Troops. Both artists rocked the Norfolk Scope and thanked the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. ( WATCH: FLO RIDA PERFORMS 'LET IT ROLL' | WATCH: 'WILD ONES')
John Cena explains what WWE Tribute to the Troops mean to him and other WWE Superstars and Divas. ( WATCH)
Ryback def. Alberto Del Rio by disqualification ( PHOTOS | WATCH)
Although WWE was in Norfolk to honor America’s brave men and women, Alberto Del Rio wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of his personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez. Before The Mexican Aristocrat could finish his rendition of “Happy Birthday” in Spanish, Ryback made his way to the ring — ready to get their match underway.
During the battle, Ryback used his raw power to gain an edge against his experienced and cunning opponent. However, an assist from Rodriguez allowed Del Rio the opportunity to nearly defeat the monstrous competitor.
Alas, the hungry Superstar’s strength and tenacity proved to be too much, and as he prepared to take down The Mexican Aristocrat with the Meathook clothesline, Rodriguez jumped on Ryback, ending the contest by disqualification. After the match ended, Rodriguez paid for his interference as he and Del Rio were left Shell Shocked.
The Miz welcomes Kermit the Frog & Miss Piggy to ‘Miz TV’ ( PHOTOS | WATCH)
On a special edition of “Miz TV,” The Awesome One tried to get to the bottom of the relationship between Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. In an effort to answer the question once and for all, The Miz asked Kermit if he wanted to marry Miss Piggy. Kermit said “yes,” but before the nuptials could commence, Damien Sandow interrupted — disgusted by The Miz, Kermit and Miss Piggy’s lack of inspiration. As Sandow berated Miss Piggy, The Awesome One attacked the self-proclaimed “Intellectual Savior of the Masses” before challenging him to a match.
Miz def. Damien Sandow ( PHOTOS | WATCH)
Following their altercation on “Miz TV,” The Awesome One and Damien Sandow locked up as Kermit and Miss Piggy observed the action, cheering on The Miz alongside the WWE Universe. The former WWE Champion had his work cut out for him considering the self-proclaimed “Intellectual Savior of the Masses” has proved he is a force to be reckoned with. Fortunately for The Miz, years of experience worked in his favor as he reversed a pinfall and secured the three-count.
Team Hell No & R-Truth def. 3MB ( PHOTOS | WATCH)
The WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No teamed up with R-Truth to face 3MB at the 10th anniversary of WWE Tribute to the Troops. The deck looked stacked against the champions and Truth as they were joining forces for the first time against a trio that has shown over the past few weeks that they are in sync. Looking for any reason to party — a victory in front of America’s bravest men and women would give 3MB a huge boost. Nonetheless, the combined efforts and experience of Team Hell No & R-Truth proved to be too much for the air guitar-playing trio and they left Norfolk a bit out of tune. ( WATCH: DANIEL BRYAN AND THE MUPPETS)
John Cena def. U.S. Champion Antonio Cesaro ( PHOTOS | WATCH)
Although WWE was honoring America troops, that did not stop Swiss-born U.S. Champion Antonio Cesaro from berating America and explaining his superiority over the nation he represents as champion. In front of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, however, Cesaro faced his most daunting challenge to date — 10-time WWE Champion John Cena. The Swiss Superman has undoubtedly proven he is a formidable competitor, and defeating the Cenation leader in front of the military would elevate him to new heights.
Cena is a competitor who never quits — but he is also one of the strongest Superstars in WWE. Seeing Cesaro in action — especially at Tribute to the Troops, where he displayed his incredible power by lifting and tossing Cena around — certainly puts the Swiss Superstar in that category as well. Though the two Superstars stood toe-to-toe in the center of the ring trading blows, Cena’s experience overwhelmed the United States Champion to take full control of the bout’s momentum. With the men and women of the U.S. military in his corner, Cena delivered an Attitude Adjustment to his opponent, securing the victory.
WWE Superstars and Divas thank the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. ( WATCH)