What Is 2017 WWE Tribute to the Troops

Overview

The 2017 edition of WWE Tribute to the Troops honored U.S. military service members with a special live event broadcast on December 19, 2017. Filmed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, the show combined professional wrestling matches with entertainment segments to celebrate active-duty troops and veterans.

Since its inception in 2003, WWE Tribute to the Troops has become a holiday tradition, bringing morale-boosting performances to military personnel. The 2017 event continued this legacy with a mix of high-energy matches, heartfelt tributes, and guest appearances.

• Roman Reigns headlined the event, competing in a singles match against Jinder Mahal, showcasing top-tier WWE talent for troops.
• Charlotte Flair defended her SmackDown Women’s Championship in a hard-fought bout against Sonya Deville, highlighting women’s division excellence.
• The event was filmed on December 12, 2017, one week before its televised premiere on USA Network, allowing for production polish.
• Florida Georgia Line performed their hit song Meant to Be, adding a musical element that resonated with military audiences.
• WWE Chairman Vince McMahon made a special appearance, thanking troops personally and reinforcing WWE’s commitment to military support.

Matches & Performances

The 2017 Tribute to the Troops featured a full card of wrestling matches across WWE’s men’s, women’s, and tag team divisions. Each bout was designed to entertain while honoring the sacrifices of military personnel.

• Tag Team Turmoil Match: The Usos, The New Day, The Colons, and other teams competed in a high-paced elimination match lasting over 20 minutes, thrilling the live audience.
• United States Championship:Randy Orton retained his title against Rusev in a physical bout emphasizing resilience and strategy.
• Women’s Showcase Match:Becky Lynch faced Mandy Rose, demonstrating the depth and athleticism of WWE’s female roster.
• Intercontinental Championship:The Miz defended against John Morrison, delivering a fast-paced, crowd-pleasing performance.
• Special Musical Guest:Florida Georgia Line performed two songs, including May We All, connecting emotionally with service members.
• Comedy Segment:Mojo Rawley and Bo Dallas delivered a lighthearted skit, offering levity and laughter during the evening.

Comparison at a Glance

WWE Tribute to the Troops has evolved over the years in location, talent, and production scale. The 2017 event reflects modern WWE’s blend of athleticism and storytelling.

The 2017 event stood out for its East Coast location and inclusion of contemporary country music. Unlike earlier overseas broadcasts, this edition focused on domestic military bases, reflecting a shift in WWE’s outreach strategy post-2010.

Why It Matters

WWE Tribute to the Troops remains a significant annual event that strengthens civil-military relations through entertainment. The 2017 edition exemplified WWE’s ability to adapt while maintaining its core mission of honoring service members.

• The event reached over 3.2 million viewers on USA Network, demonstrating strong public interest in military appreciation programming.
• It reinforced WWE’s longstanding partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, ongoing since the first event in 2003.
• Featuring active-duty personnel in crowd interactions created authentic moments of connection between wrestlers and troops.
• The inclusion of female champions like Charlotte Flair highlighted WWE’s progress in gender equality and representation.
• By airing during the holiday season, the event provided emotional support to service members far from home.
• Proceeds and exposure helped promote military wellness programs and veteran reintegration initiatives.

Through compelling performances and genuine gratitude, the 2017 WWE Tribute to the Troops continued a meaningful tradition that celebrates courage, resilience, and national service.