WWE's Tribute to the Troops was a beloved annual event held in collaboration with Armed Forces Entertainment, typically aired during the holiday season in December. The event was designed to honor and entertain the United States Armed Forces. It was a television special, with a few exceptions, such as the 2019 event, which was not televised, and the 2021 edition, which aired in mid-November. The special featured WWE Superstars from various brands, though from 2020 to 2023, it primarily showcased wrestlers from the SmackDown brand.
The Discontinuation of the Show
However, after the 2023 edition, WWE decided to discontinue the Tribute to the Troops event. According to reports from Wrestling Observer Radio's Dave Meltzer, the discontinuation stems from WWE's desire for storylines to flow continuously, with the belief that the Tribute to the Troops special disrupted ongoing narratives. Parent company Endeavor reportedly felt that the event was outdated, leading to its cancellation after two decades.
The Early Years and Global Outreach
The Tribute to the Troops event was first aired in 2003, and its early years were especially notable for the shows held in Iraq and Afghanistan, where WWE performers traveled to interact with U.S. troops and visit military bases, hospitals, and camps. These events were an integral part of the show's identity, showcasing WWE’s support for the men and women in uniform. From 2003 to 2007, the special aired as pre-taped episodes of SmackDown! and Raw.
Shift to Domestic Venues
Beginning in 2010, the event was held domestically, typically near military bases in the United States, with some shows taking place at iconic locations like the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital. The 2021 edition marked a significant shift, as it was the first Tribute to the Troops event not held at or near a military base, and it was the only edition not to air in December. Instead, it was broadcast in mid-November.
A Final Farewell in 2023
The final Tribute to the Troops special aired in December 2023, and it was a live edition of SmackDown. This marked the end of an era for WWE and its tradition of honoring U.S. military personnel during the holiday season.
"No more. It's done. Obviously, the year being up, I think in the last month people were kind of asking when they're taping it. It just was not being taped. They had too many other things going on. I don't know if it's done for good, but this is the first year that they haven't done anything with that," Meltzer shared.
Cancellation of Other WWE Shows
In addition to the end of Tribute to the Troops, WWE has also canceled the NXT Level Up show, which debuted in February 2022. The show was a replacement for 205 Live and aired on Fridays at 10:00 PM ET on Peacock and the WWE Network. According to reports from Bodyslam.net and Fightful Select, the last episodes of NXT Level Up were filmed during a recent NXT taping, and the show will be replaced by a new reality series, WWE LFG, set to premiere on A&E in early 2025.
Impact on SmackDown's Programming
With the cancellation of NXT Level Up, WWE has announced that SmackDown will extend to a three-hour format starting January 3, 2025. This move will adjust WWE’s programming lineup for the new year as the company continues to evolve its television offerings.