It was an annual staple of programming from 2003 until 2023, but what happened with WWE’s Tribute to the Troops?
Also Read: RAW Results For December 23, 2024
For two decades, it was a holiday tradition. Starting in 2003, WWE held Tribute to the Troops in one form or another. It was a way for WWE to do something special for the men and women in our armed services. Sometimes it was shot on location at bases. Most recently, it was themed editions of televised shows.
But in 2024, there wasn’t one
So what happened to Tribute to the Troops in 2024? Surely the company could have ran the special in place of one of those taped editions of RAW or SmackDown, right?
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, it died off because WWE is under new management. Meltzer said it was a Vince McMahon thing, and WWE is no longer Vince’s company.
Except, that isn’t entirely accurate. Tribute to the Troops ran under Vince’s watch, but it was hatched by John Bradshaw Layfield. And JBL lamented it not happening this year, with hopes that the new owners would revive it in 2025.
It is entirely possible that under new leadership, WWE decided to no longer support and run this special holiday show. However, given what we know about the new ownership? I am inclined to believe that this somehow fell through the cracks, but is not gone yet.
Also Read: SmackDown Results for 12/20/24
After all, there is a lot going on for WWE now. RAW is on the verge of landing on Netflix. SmackDown is settling into it’s new home. Perhaps those making the call felt like they couldn’t do the show justice this year?
Or perhaps someone pulled a Howard Shirley and cancelled it, not realizing how strong the backlash would be.
