Punk visits troops, prepares for WWE Florida swing
WWE Tribute to the Troops Dec. 19 on NBC
BY JIM VARSALLONE
Whether he is cheered or booed, CM Punk remains on the straight and narrow in his walk through life inside and outside the wrestling ring.
A WWE triple crown winner, Punk brought that straight-edge image with him on the recent Tribute to the Troops Tour, WWE’s annual holiday visit to the U.S. troops overseas in Afghanistan or Iraq.
Taped in Iraq, WWE Tribute to the Troops 2009 airs 9 p.m. EST Saturday, Dec. 19 on NBC. This marked Punk’s second straight trip to Iraq, touring with WWE.
"Being a part of the Tribute to the Troops really is cool," Punk said during a phone interview. "It is the most brutal travel of my entire life. I think a lot of people say that. Getting there and coming back are a gigantic pain in the %&&, but it really is a rewarding experience. Nobody is excited about going to Iraq, but when you talk about going for the troops and what a rewarding experience it is once you’ve been there, actually get there, it’s a really good time."
When WWE travels for the troops, the company brings top names like in 2009 with Punk, Chris Jericho, John Cena, Rey Mysterio, The Miz, Mark Henry, John Morrison, R-Truth, Chris Masters, Cryme Time, Finlay, the divas, Miami’s MVP and Carlito and even the boss Mr. McMahon.
It’s the most patriotic show of the year. WWE’s Tribute to the Troops features matches from Raw, SmackDown and WWE/ECW stars taped live in the Middle East. WWE’s mission to bring its unique form of entertainment to the U.S. servicemen in Iraq also bridges the American public with those who continue to fight in the name of freedom.
WWE.com has added digitals from Day 1 of their trip to Iraq. CM Punk is featured in one shot; head over to the gallery to view it.
Related Links:
Digitals > Other > Tribute to the Troops > Tribute to The Troops 2009
