Tribute to the Troop 2008 Results

TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS 2008--12/5/2008--CAMP VICTORY, BAGHDAD, IRAQ:

The Tribute to the Troops 2008 featured an opening video package featuring Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Marilyn Monroe as several entertainers who have performed overseas for American troops. Also included pretaped comments from President George W. Bush, shown to the crowd, in which he thanked WWE for their constant support of troops and their families over the years. The first Tribute to the Troops event to have a video wall as part of the production.

Included footage of Kelly Kelly, Rey Mysterio, Eve, John Cena, & R-Truth at Camp Echo. Featured footage of  JBL, Mickie James, Chris Jericho, Maria, CM Punk, Eve, Big Show, R-Truth, Batista, Cryme Tyme, John Morrison, Mike Mizanin, John Cena, Kelly, Jeff Hardy, Mysterio, and Alicia Fox, set to Ben E. King's "Stand By Me" and Nickelback's "Gotta Be Somebody". Included Lilian Garcia introducing Cryme Tyme, who appeared dressed as Santa Claus; after Cryme Tyme said they loved every person in attendance, they had Santa's Little Helpers - Maria, Eve, Kelly, Mickie, and Alicia - come out, greet the troops, and throw merchandise out to the soldiers.

WWE.COM SHOW INFORMATION:

WWE's sixth annual Tribute to the Troops program featured matches from Raw, SmackDown and ECW Superstars' live performance in the Middle East. WWE's mission to bring its unique form of entertainment to the U.S. servicemen in Iraq also bridges the American public with those who continue to fight in the name of freedom. See WWE.com's exclusive coverage and extended photo galleries of this poignant holiday special.       

QUICK RESULTS:

• Kelly Kelly def. Maria (DARK MATCH)
• Jeff Hardy, CM Punk, & R-Truth def. John Bradshaw Layfield, John Morrison, & Mike Mizanin
• John Cena, Batista, & Rey Mysterio def. Chris Jericho, Big Show, & Randy Orton

IN-DEPTH RESULTS:

With the real Saint Nick busy this time of year, WWE traveled to Iraq for the sixth annual Tribute to the Troops celebration to do our small part in showing America's appreciation for all the sacrifices shown by the United States troops overseas. It was a festive time filled with bravery, beauty and brawls.

World Heavyweight Champion John Cena, Batista & Rey Mysterio def. Randy Orton, Chris Jericho & Big Show (PHOTOS | WATCH)
The day's main event treated the troops to a Six-Man Tag Match, pitting World Heavyweight Champion John Cena, Batista & Rey Mysterio against Randy Orton, Chris Jericho & Big Show.

While Rey sported the red, white and blue of Ol' Glory, the aerial artist appeared to only be flying at half-staff after all three of his team's opponents got their hands on him. Soldiering on, the Master of the 619 never appeared to give up. He battled until Jericho found himself in an altercation with his teammate Big Show. Before long, The World's Largest Athlete had pummeled both Jericho and Orton and stormed off in a huff. Rey's teammates Batista and Cena wisely took advantage, administering a Batista Bomb and FU to their opponents to claim victory for their team.

Cryme Tyme introduces "Santa's Helpers" (PHOTOS)
No visit to the Troops would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus. In this case, Shad & JTG brought a little "Holiday from the ‘Hood" to the servicemen and women. Dressed in their flyest Santa Claus gear, the Cryme Tyme duo got the crowd pumped, thanking them for serving the United States overseas. The "Candy Cane Ballers" weren't finished there, though. The two unveiled what was, perhaps, the Troops' favorite gift: A bevy of gorgeous Santa's Helpers!

Dressed in outfits that would make Mrs. Claus blush, Divas Kelly Kelly, Maria, Mickie James, Eve and Alicia Fox handed out sacks full of gifts to the brave men and women, and staged an impromptu dance-off to show their appreciation. Judging by the waves of hollers and applause, it was mission accomplished.

WWE Champion Jeff Hardy, CM Punk & R-Truth def. JBL, The Miz & John Morrison (PHOTOS | WATCH)
The troops crowded the ring for a sensational Six-Man Tag Match pitting the trio of new WWE Champion Jeff Hardy, CM Punk & R-Truth against JBL and World Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison. After pulling up in a chauffeured Hum-vee, the millionaire investor nearly led his team to victory several times. Hardy, Punk & Truth, however, each brought gifts to the ring: Spirit, determination and charisma. The three wise men managed to leverage their talents and, in the end, the WWE Champion overcame the Longhorn Loudmouth, pinning JBL and securing the win for his team.

All in all, WWE's annual Tribute to the Troops celebration yielded plenty of Christmas cheer for both the troops and WWE Superstars and Divas alike. Happy holidays to the troops from all of us at WWE. To paraphrase jolly ol' Saint Nick himself: Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good fight.