Tribute to the Troops 2011

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – WWE’s Most Patriotic Show of the Year, Tribute to the Troops featured action-packed competition, celebrity appearances and top-notch musical performances in honor of America’s bravest men and women. Emanating from the home of the Army’s Airborne Forces and the Army Special Forces, the ninth annual Tribute to the Troops was an unforgettable experience. 

Nickelback, Mary J. Blige and George Wallace entertained the troops at Fort Bragg (PHOTOS)
In addition to high-octane competition, award-winning artists Nickelback and Mary J. Blige, as well as comedian George Wallace, joined WWE to entertain the troops. Each artist rocked the arena with electrifying performances and Wallace provided plenty of holiday cheer and laughs. (WATCH: MARY J. BLIGE, PART 1 | PART 2 | NICKELBACK, PART 1 | PART 2 | GEORGE WALLACE)

 Celebrities thanked the troops with special shout-outs (WATCH)
Famous celebrities and personalities such as Robin Williams, Matthew McConaughey, Nicole Kidman, The Muppets and Hugh Jackman sent special video messages to the troops stationed at Fort Bragg. 

 John Cena, Big Show & WWE Champion CM Punk def. Alberto Del Rio, The Miz & World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Champions and WWE’s biggest titans faced off in a main event truly worthy of Fort Bragg. Teamwork reigned supreme as WWE Champions CM Punk and Big Show cleared The Miz and Del Rio from the ring and The World’s Largest Athlete punched World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry right into an Attitude Adjustment from John Cena for the pinfall. The Cenation leader then thanked the troops for their service and sacrifice. (WATCH CENA'S SALUTE) 

Sheamus def. Drew McIntyre (WATCH | PHOTOS)
At Fort Bragg, The Great White battled The Chosen One as international Superstars collided in front of American soldiers. When McIntyre resorted to nefarious tactics with a poke to the eye, an enraged Celtic Warrior put an end to the Scottish Superstar’s efforts with a Brogue Kick, to the delight of our Armed Forces. 

Primo & Epico def. WWE Tag Team Champions Air Boom in a Title-free match (WATCH | PHOTOS)
The exciting new tag team of Epico & Primo took to the skies against WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne at Fort Bragg. Cousins, Primo & Epico showed their abilities by keeping up with the agility and fast-paced style of Air Boom. In the end, the cousins may have proved that blood is thicker than water and picked up an impressive win against the WWE Tag Team Champions. 

Daniel Bryan def. Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes in a Title-free match (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Rhodes and SmackDown Money in the Bank winner Daniel Bryan locked up one night after they battled in a Fatal 4-Way Match on Raw. Aware that the gutsy Bryan is never one to back down from a challenge, Rhodes targeted his opponent’s injured ribs. Although momentum appeared to be in the Intercontinental Champion’s corner, an assist from Booker T allowed Bryan to roll up Rhodes for the win. 

Kelly Kelly, Eve, Alicia Fox and Maria Menounos def. Divas Champion Beth Phoenix, Natalya and The Bella Twins (WATCH | PHOTOS)
After igniting a war of tweets with The Glamazon last week, Maria Menounos returned to the squared circle to compete in front of America’s bravest. Teaming with Kelly Kelly, Eve and Alicia Fox, the entertainment reporter was more than ready to grapple with The Glamazon, Natalya and The Bellas. Maria had the last laugh and certainly the last tweet by shockingly pinning the Divas Champion to secure the win. 

Zack Ryder def. Jack Swagger (WATCH | PHOTOS)
United States Champion Dolph Ziggler joined The All-American American at ringside for Swagger’s match against Zack Ryder. However, Long Island Iced-Z felt that Ziggler was an inadequate representation of America and brought out his own ally to stand in his corner … Sgt. Slaughter! With the former WWE Champion is his corner, Zack Ryder was able to take down Jack Swagger and build on his positive momentum heading into his U.S. Title Match with Ziggler at WWE TLC. 

Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett ended in a Double Count-out (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Days before they meet in a Tables Match as WWE TLC, WWE’s Apex Predator battled The Barrett Barrage in front of the men and women of the U.S. military. Orton and Barrett held nothing back and seemed poised to settle their score at Fort Bragg. The battle spilled to the outside where both Superstars were counted out. After the match, the brawl continued and as The Viper prepared to put Barrett through a table, David Otunga interfered to save his former Nexus teammate. Orton fought back and ended up putting Otunga through a table, sending a clear message to The Barrett Barrage. 

Lilian Garcia sang the National Anthem (WATCH | PHOTOS)
After returning to SmackDown last week, WWE Diva and ring announcer Lilian Garcia made her triumphant return to Tribute to the Troops. In a powerful and heartfelt performance, she sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem in front of a packed arena at Fort Bragg. 

 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.

MATCHES

• John Cena, Big Show & WWE Champion CM Punk def. Alberto Del Rio, The Miz & World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry (PHOTOS)
• Sheamus def. Drew McIntyre (PHOTOS)
• Primo & Epico def. WWE Tag Team Champions Air Boom (PHOTOS)
• Daniel Bryan def. Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes (PHOTOS)
• Kelly Kelly, Eve, Alicia Fox and Maria Menounos def. Divas Champion Beth Phoenix, Natalya and The Bella Twins (PHOTOS)
• Zack Ryder def. Jack Swagger (PHOTOS)
• Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett ended in a Double Count-out (PHOTOS)