After not airing on TV at all last year, Tribute to the Troops will return to the airwaves this year but this time instead of USA Network, it will air on FOX.
According to a press release issued today, the show will air on Sunday, December 6, adjacent to Sunday’s regional NFL broadcasts. Viewers with an NFL match airing at 1PM ET can watch WWE Tribute to the Troops at 4:30PM ET while viewers with an NFL match airing at 4:05PM ET can watch the special at 3PM ET.
Unlike previous years and because of the coronavirus, Tribute to the Troops will air from inside the WWE ThunderDome and the virtual fans will all be servicemen and women. Troops from the Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, the US Army Post Fort Hood in Texas, the U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in Ridgecrest, California, will all be featured in the ThunderDome.
“This is a unique time and we look forward to providing our troops and their families with an interactive experience that only WWE can deliver as we celebrate our servicemen and women with millions of our fans watching at home on FOX,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman & CEO.
“Supporting the United States military year-round is an essential part of FOX Sports’ mission, and partnering with WWE on their Tribute to the Troops is an incredible extension of this ongoing commitment,” added Eric Shanks, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Producer, FOX Sports.
The show will probably be taped this month since WWE will be out of the Amway Center by the time it airs on TV. In the coming weeks, WWE will announce celebrity guests from the world of sports and entertainment that will take part in the Tribute to the Troops broadcast on FOX.
Tribute to the Troops has been held every year since 2003.