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WWE’s Tribute to the Troops features superstars in action

World Wrestling Entertainment World Heavyweight Champion John Cena, veteran superstar and former champ JBL and rising star Mickie James are a few of the biggest names in professional wrestling who traveled to Iraq this month to film their annual Christmas special, “Tribute to the Troops.”

“It means the world to me, this trip,” Cena said hours before departing for Baghdad in a C-17 on Dec. 1. “Words can’t describe — honestly — how much I enjoy going there.”

Nearly two dozen of the WWE’s marquee wrestlers, along with chairman Vince McMahon, traveled for four days to dozens of forward operating bases to meet as many service members as they could, officials said, culminating in a live performance in Baghdad that will air on NBC on Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. EST.

The special, sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment, is the sixth annual “Tribute to the Troops.”

“There’s something to be said about individuals who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” Cena said. “That’s the bottom line.”

This is Cena’s fifth trip to the war zone.

John Layfield, better known as JBL, conceived the idea as a way to give back to service members. This is his eighth trip to entertain troops.

“It’s a phenomenal experience,” JBL said. The annual WrestleMania, considered the Super Bowl of professional wrestling, pales in comparison to the excitement of “Tribute to the Troops,” he said.

“This, to me, is our biggest event of the year, and I think most of our guys feel that way,” he said. “This is my chance to say thank you to people who have served and people who are serving right now.”

Mickie James made her second tour to Iraq this year.

“It was really eye-opening last year,” James said. “Seeing the light of the people’s eyes and the light on people’s faces when we walk in the room, that’s the most rewarding.”

James said she is as excited to see the troops as they are to see her.

“I don’t think that they truly realize how blessed we are to have them,” James said, “and how truly thankful we are for what they do.”

The wrestlers visited hundreds of troops during the first three days of the trip and performed a free show for more than 5,000 service members on the fourth day. The tour gives the superstars an inside glimpse into the lives of service members; they eat, sleep and travel alongside the troops, shaking hands and signing autographs.

The special features WWE stars from the company’s Raw, Smackdown and ECW brands, but it also includes troops sending personal messages home to their families and a special message from President George W. Bush.

For details and for coverage of past “Tribute to the Troops” visits, including exclusive photos and blog posts from WWE stars, log on to www.wwe.com.

Tune in

“Tribute to the Troops” airs on NBC on Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. EST. Visit www.wwe.com for details.