Original Airdate: Monday, December 19th, 2005
Bagram Air Force Base
Bagram, Afghanistan
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Vince McMahon is here to kick things off. He rips on the media and thanks the armed forces. Remember, Vince is the good guy. He brings out Lilian Garcia, who is wearing a Christmas themed skirt and Joey Styles lets us know that it's only 33 degrees there. She sings the National Anthem and we get a video package of the WWE visiting the troops in Germany.
Carlito vs. Big Show
Carlito tries to attack Big Show from behind, but it of course doesn't work. He does end up getting a few moves in, but when he goes up top Big Show catches him by the throat and hits the chokeslam for the victory. There will be a lot of this tonight.
Match Rating: 1/4*
They show a video package about how many land mines are all over the country. Pretty crazy.
Jonathan Coachman is here and he introduces Santa, who is JBL dressed up in a camo suit, but no belly. He cuts a promo about canceling holidays and out comes Mick Foley dressed as Santa. He challenges JBL to a match.
No Ho-Ho-Holds Barred Match
JBL vs. Mick Foley
JBL attacks him, but Foley hits him with the sack of toys. The announcers are shocked when JBL's mask falls off. Right. Foley takes out some tongs and uses them on his chestnuts. JBL misses a Clothesline From Hell and Foley hits a double arm DDT. Out comes Mr. Socko for the victory.
Match Rating: 1/4*
They show clips of John Cena and Trish Stratus speaking with the Afghan press. They then switch to a video package of Rita Crosby from MSNBC with the WWE Superstars.
Shelton Benjamin vs. Snitsky
Styles hypes up Shelton's losing streak, so you can see where this is going. Snitsky removes the top turnbuckle. He goes for a vertical suplex, but Shelton counters it into a neckbreaker. Shelton follows it up with a knee lift and then a top rope clothesline. He misses the splash in the corner, hitting the exposed turnbuckle. Snitsky hits a big boot and that is all. Short, but at least spirited.
Match Rating: 3/4*
We get another video package about the Taliban Tavern.
John Cena vs. Chris Masters
After some back and forth action, Cena ducks Masters and pulls down the top rope, dumping Masters to the floor. Back in the ring, Masters is able to lock in the Master Lock and for some reason Masters let's go of the hold. He goes off the second rope, but Cena gets a boot up. Cena hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle and the FU for the quick victory. I'm not sure what the point of him putting the Master Lock was ahead of New Year's Revolution, but they did it.
Match Rating: 1/2*
They show more clips of the Superstars meeting with the troops.
Coach introduces Ric Flair to the ring. Coach keeps insulting Flair and then challenges him to a match.
Jonathan Coachman vs. Ric Flair
Coach chokes Flair with his shirt until Flair pokes him in the eye. Flair hits some chops and a knee drop. Flair then hits a low blow and locks in the Figure Four? He was struggling to put it on and they awkwardly cut to someone in the crowd and then a close up to Coach's face. Anyway, Flair wins via submission.
Match Rating: 1/4*
We get more highlights of their tour through the different bases.
Trish Stratus & Ashley vs. Candice Michelle & Maria
Maria hits a side headlock takeover to impress the audience. She tags in Candice and she wants Trish in the ring. Candice avoids her and goes crowd surfing instead. She poses in the ropes and Trish pushes her out of the ring. Trish accidentally gets referee Chad Patton in the tilt-a-whirl headscissors. Candice hits a big knee on Trish, but Maria doesn't want to tag in. Trish this time hits the tilt-a-whirl headscissors on Candice and tags in Ashley. They hit a double elbow drop, but then Candice rolls her up and grabs her tights to steal the victory. This was actually probably a little better than you would expect it to be.
Match Rating: 1/2*
They talk about some of the brave soldiers who gave their lives for us. In somewhat of a weird segue, they then show how they set up the show.
Boot Camp Match
Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels
They go back and forth until Triple H hits a back body drop over the top rope to the mat. They battle up the entrance ramp and Michaels hits Triple H with a sand bag. Triple H grabs a gas can and hits him in the head with it. They end up back in the ring, only for Michaels to throw Triple H right back out again. Michaels grabs a mop and hits him in the head with it. Triple H ducks a Michaels right hand and it hits Mike Chioda. Chad Patton then comes down, but Michael is able to kick out. Triple H then knocks him out and tosses him out. Michaels gets a boot up on a second rope fist drop by Triple H and both men are down. Michaels hits a flying forearm and an inverted atomic drop. Michaels hits a top rope elbow and starts tuning up the band. Triple H ducks and goes for the Pedigree. Michaels counters it into a catapult and hits Sweet Chin Music for the victory. This was obviously more akin to a house show match, but it was entertaining enough. Michaels celebrates with the troops on his way to the back.
Match Rating: **1/2
We get one last highlight video of the trip before we go off the air.
While there is no doubt that part of the reason WWE does this is for good publicity, there is absolutely no doubt that it is something that is important to all of those involved. This also served as a flashback to a very specific time in our history. If you're looking for an all time great show, this isn't a place to start. However, this is a cool on location version of the show that also happens to serve a great purpose. It was a great reminder of how thankful I am for all of those who have put their lives on the line for our country.
Overall Rating: 51%
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