WWE has opted not to tape its annual Tribute to the Troops special this year, marking the first time since the event’s inception in 2003 that the company has skipped the broadcast entirely. This has raised questions about the future of the event, which has historically been a significant part of WWE’s programming during the holiday season.
The decision comes during a year of substantial change within WWE’s leadership, leaving the status of Tribute to the Troops uncertain. While the promotion hasn’t made an official announcement about the event’s discontinuation, its absence has been noticeable. Historically, even in years like 2019 when no televised special aired, WWE still held live events to honor the troops. This year, however, no such activity has been reported.
The event is widely considered a Vince McMahon-driven initiative, originally proposed by WWE Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield. The concept took shape in 2003, with WWE holding shows at military bases abroad until 2009. From 2010 onward, the event transitioned to domestic venues in the U.S.
The last notable mention of Tribute to the Troops came on the December 8, 2023, episode of SmackDown, which included a tribute-themed presentation but was not a dedicated event. With McMahon no longer at the helm, the show appears to have quietly faded from WWE’s calendar, further suggesting that it may no longer align with the company’s current direction.
