WWE Raw Season 17 Episode 51 Episode #868- Annual Tribute to the Troops episode - Christmas in Iraq
- TV-PG
- December 21, 2009
On this episode of WWE Raw, the annual Tribute to the Troops episode takes place, with this year's installment being dubbed "Christmas in Iraq." The episode aims to pay homage to the brave men and women who serve in the military by bringing some holiday cheer to deployed troops stationed overseas.
The show opens with a rousing performance by the United States Marine Corps band, setting the festive mood for the night's events. After the national anthem, WWE commentator Michael Cole takes a moment to thank the troops for their service and sacrifice, reminding viewers of the importance of the annual Tribute to the Troops episode.
The first match of the night sees several WWE Superstars donning Santa hats and Christmas-themed gear as they take on a team of opponent wrestlers in a traditional tag-team match. The festive atmosphere inside the arena is palpable as fans cheer on their favorite wrestlers, with the commentators regularly giving shoutouts to the troops watching from afar.
The night's second match features some of WWE's biggest names, including Roman Reigns and John Cena, taking on a group of opponents in a battle royale. The match is intense and action-packed, with each wrestler fighting to stay in the ring and emerge victorious.
The third match of the night showcases the talents of some of WWE's most exciting young talent, including Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair. The two women fight fiercely in a one-on-one match, with the audience cheering on their favorite wrestler as they try to secure the win. The commentators take time to highlight the accomplishments of both Banks and Flair, as well as other up-and-coming wrestlers in the league.
Throughout the show, WWE takes time to showcase highlights from previous Tribute to the Troops episodes, reminding viewers of the longstanding partnership between the wrestling league and the military. In addition, pre-recorded messages from WWE wrestlers and celebrities expressing their support and gratitude for the troops are interspersed throughout the show, adding to the emotional weight of the evening's events.
The final match of the night is a six-man tag team match, featuring some of WWE's most popular wrestlers, including Randy Orton and AJ Styles. The match is tense and full of surprises, with each team fighting to emerge victorious. As the match comes to a close, the audience erupts in cheers, with both teams showing respect for one another in the ring.
The show wraps up with a final message from Michael Cole, as well as a salute to the troops from the entire WWE team. The episode ends with a heartwarming montage of footage from the night's events, complete with emotional testimonials from WWE wrestlers and military personnel alike.
Overall, the WWE Raw season 17 episode 51: Annual Tribute to the Troops episode - Christmas in Iraq is a heartfelt and action-packed episode of the long-running wrestling show. With its focus on paying homage to the brave men and women who serve in the military, the episode is both a celebration of the holiday season and a touching tribute to those who fight to protect our freedoms.