Dot Net reader @MKRivero91 is at the WWE Tribute to the Troops taping in Washington, D.C. at the Verizon Center and is sending the following report. Refresh the page for his latest updates.
Neville beat Curt Hawkins in a dark match held prior to Smackdown, which was taped rather than live this week. Tribute to the Troops was taped after Smackdown.
The Tribute to the Troops special kicked off with the commander and chief of the USO. He said we deliver a gore to Isis, we are on Crews control against our enemies, and we will deliver a Superman Punch to anyone that’s against us.
There was a vignette with Stephanie and Shane McMahon, who said they come together for the troops.
A vignette aired that showcased the Tribute to the Troops events from 2003 through this year’s show.
Lilian Garcia returned to sing the national anthem.
Roman Reigns spoke and thanked everyone on behalf of WWE. He was interrupted by Kevin Owens, who challenged Reigns to a U.S. Title match. Owens said he would turn the U.S. Championship into the Canadian Championship. Rusev interrupted and spoke about Bulgaria and Russia. Rusev said he wanted to crush Rusev like he crushed Enzo Amore. Big Cass came out to rescue Reigns before he the heels could jump him. Mick Foley came out and booked the four men in a tag match.
1. Sheamus and Cesaro defeated Golden Truth, The Shining Stars, and Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson in a four-way tag match to earn a tag title shot at WWE Roadblock.
The Miz cut a promo in which he stated that he is an inspiration to the Marines. He issued an open challenge. Comedian Gabriel Iglesias came out and said he had just the man to beat Miz, which led to the next match.
2. Apollo Crews defeated The Miz (w/Maryse) in a non-title match. Iglesias took selfies with Miz and Maryse. Crews hit an enzuigiri and got the win.
3. Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton, and Luke Harper defeated Dolph Ziggler and American Alpha. The Hype Bros were previously advertised instead of Alpha, so it’s possible that Zack Ryder was injured during the match he worked on Smackdown.
Bayley was backstage petting Charlie from The Today Show. Dana Brooke and Charlotte interrupted. Dana called Dana a mutt. Bayley called Dana a dog. This set up their match.
4. Bayley pinned Dana Brooke. A quick match. Bayley won with the Bayley to Belly, then cuddled with the dog.
5. Rich Swann, TJ Perkins, and Jack Gallagher defeated Brian Kendrick, Anthony Nese, and Drew Gulak. A nice match. Swann pinned Gulak.
New Day talked about going down as the greatest team of all time. AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows said they have dominated all over the world. There was an on-camera Shield reunion, which the fans marked out for.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass came out. He said they will turn Kevin Owens and Rusev red, white, black, and blue.
6. Roman Reigns and Big Cass (w/Enzo Amore) defeated Kevin Owens and Rusev (w/Lana). Lana attacked Enzo. Cass went on a rampage on both heels. Roman hit the Superman Punch on Owens and then speared Rusev for the win to close the show.
On a separate note, I really like the blue background. It complements the white well. Also easy on the eyes.