There are some connections that just seem natural within the world of professional wrestling. One such connection is the WWE’s recent trend of sending title belts to champions of other major sports as a gift.
But another obvious and more important connection is the WWE’s commitment to honoring the American military. As an entertainment company centered on a combat sport, it would only make sense that there would be a lot of wrestling fans among the branches of the armed forces.
Here are five great ways the WWE reaches out to those fans.
Tribute to the Troops
Of course, the most well-known WWE initiative benefiting the United States military is the annual Tribute to the Troops show each December. The event has been held both overseas and in the U.S. and includes a variety of programs.
The centerpiece of the event each year, though, is a free wrestling event on the base where the WWE is visiting. This is later broadcast for fans elsewhere, but the main goal is to create a diversion for the men and women of the armed forces.
Hospital visits
Part of that Tribute to the Troops program is visiting bases and hospitals to meet one-on-one with soldiers and veterans, particularly those that have been injured in the line of duty. This also occurs at other times of the year, as well.
This is obviously a big deal for the wrestling fans who just happen to be injured veterans, but it can also be a positive experience for the wrestlers themselves. It has to be a reminder of what others go through and how much of a gift these talented performers have been given.
Hiring Heroes
One of the many efforts nationwide to assist troops coming home as been one to get them into jobs and careers once their time in uniform is over. One organization that helps with that initiative is called Hiring Heroes, based in Georgia.
WWE helps that organization in a couple ways. For one, the company helps advertise Hiring Heroes’ efforts through its various platforms. For another, WWE works with the organization to find ways to employ more veterans within its own workforce.
USO efforts
The USO is an organization that provides entertainment of various forms for American military members serving around the world. The WWE has partnered with the USO in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area for several years now.
In addition, Stephanie McMahon has served on that chapter’s governing board in the past, and superstars like David Otunga and John Cena have been a part of ribbon-cuttings for USO facilities and award ceremonies.
Free tickets
Perhaps the most widely used but least visible way the WWE helps troops is through free tickets to all events. According to the WWE website, this is done to show “gratitude for their service to their country.”
It’s a small gesture really, but all military members have to do is show a military ID at the arena box office the day of the show, and a free ticket will be provided while supplies last. That could help explain why there are so many military fans in the armed forces to begin with.
