Tribute to the Troops 2009
The WWE’s annual Tribute to the Troops event of 2009.
Hello and welcome the this very special addition to the Weekly Rundown; Tribute to the Troops 2009!
Quick Links
Opening Segment: Be My Human Angel
Match 1: Mysterio & Henry Vs. Punk & Carlito
Segment 2: May You Always Be Courageous
Match 2: John Morrison Vs. The Miz
Main Event: John Cena Vs. Chris Jericho
Tribute to the Troops
Opening Segment
Be My Human Angel
The 7th annual Tribute to the Troops kicks off with a video showing various Superstars and Divas hanging out with the servicemen, while ‘Parachute’ by Train plays in the background.
These shows are always cross-branded spectaculars that are all about the wrestling and showing respect to the troops, who deserve stuff like this every day for the work they do.
The King and Cole are calling all the action from WWE Headquarters in Stamford Connecticut, so I guess at least a few troops will be gutted that they didn’t get to meet M.C. himself… or not.
Match 1
Tag Team Match
Rey Mysterio & Mark Henry
Vs.
Carlito & C.M Punk
The troops are fully behind Rey as this one gets under way, bellowing 619 with all their might as he squares up against C.M Punk.
While the match rumbles on impressively in the ring Michael Cole explains how this annual event was the brain child of former World Champion and commentator; JBL.
This was a really fun match to kick off the show and although the matches promised for later look much more interesting, I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Punk delivered some decent offence, but Henry and Rey picked up the win with a simultaneous Worlds Strongest Slam/West Coast Pop after a double 619.
Rey Mysterio & Mark Henry win by Pinfall.
Segment 2
May You Always Be Courageous
A selection of stills showed WWE Superstars and Divas laughing and joking with Troops while Bob Dylan’s ‘Forever Young’ played over the top.
After the commercials Eve Torres introduced none other than good old St. Nick (aka R-Truth in a costume.)
Santa does some ‘Christmas Rapping’ towards the ring then introduces ‘Santa’s little helpers’ who distribute some gifts to the troops at ringside.
Some got magazines, some got what looked like towels and others got kisses. I know which I’d like.
As the divas pranced around the ring we cut away to a promo by none other than Barrack Obama which had apparently been specially recorded for the WWE. Obama thanked the troops but made no mention of the WWE’s involvement, making me think it was just a generic clip of him that will get sent out to half a dozen different organisations.
After this another clip played showing the Superstars and Divas participating in army-like activities and generally making the hard working troops happy while ‘Absolutely Still’ by Better than Ezra and ‘Superman Tonight’ by Bon Jovi played.
After another set of commercials General David Petraeus, Commander of the US Central Command thanked the WWE for their great tribute to the men and women in uniform, then talked about the sacrifices the troops make, interspersed with clips of the good work they are doing.
Match 2
Singles Match
John Morrison
Vs.
The Miz
This should be a good one and I hoped that it would be given a decent amount of time to run, but as we’re over half way through the show now and there’s a big Championship main event booked so I’m not too optimistic.
Morrison started the match with the upper hand but after dumping his former friend from the top rope, all the way to the outside, The Miz took control.
Moments later The Miz rolled Morrison up and used the ropes to grab a 3 count.
Not quite the epic I was looking forward to, but it’s always nice to see The Miz pick up a win and I’m sure it’ll lead to another match somewhere down the road.
The Miz wins by Pinfall.
Main Event Match
WWE Championship Match
John Cena (c)
Vs.
Chris Jericho
I assume this was filmed a while back, as Cena still has the WWE Championship.
Rather confusingly Jericho doesn’t have his Tag Team Titles with him and Michael Cole talked about both men losing their titles at TLC.
I guess we know the outcome of this one then, but hopefully Jericho can make it good enough to hold interest.
The troops must be the first crowd I’ve heard all year that are just about 100% pro-Cena, although it’s understandable as he’s done so many promos aimed in their direction and to his credit always seems to give so much when it comes to the Tribute to the Troops shows.
Cena and Jericho put on a good match here, which had another troop video thrown into the middle for good measure.
Cena battled through the Walls of Jericho, then Jericho fought to the ropes to break loose of an STF, but it was in vain as Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment moments later to pick up the victory and retain a title that he no longer has.
John Cena retains the WWE Championship by Pinfall.
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