KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Four members of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., visited soldiers at Camp Nathan Smith Dec. 3 as part of the WWE Holiday Tribute for Troops’ moral and welfare.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon accompanied by WWE Superstars: Big Show, Eve and Kelly Kelly posed for photos and signed autographs for International Security Assistance Forces.
As the superstars entered “The Pit” a central meeting place on the camp. The Big Show towered above both the WWE chairman as well as the divas who accompanied him. “The Pit” is the central location for all entertainment events that occur at CNS and it was already full of troops and civilians eagerly awaiting autographed photos from the wrestlers.
"Anytime we have the opportunity to visit troops, we take it, because they are our heroes," said McMahon. "We want them to know that they are appreciated and their service means a lot to us."
Maj. Steve Janko the brigade judge advocate for 1st Brigade Combat Team 4th Infantry Division said watching the WWE was really entertaining as a child but after viewing the WWE’s commitment to the troops, his level of respect increased for the wrestlers and their profession.
McMahon and his team of wrestlers have entertained service members in both Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003 in locations such as Camp Ramadi, Iraq; FOB Wilson, Afghanistan; FOB Stryker, Afghanistan and now Camp Nathan Smith.
After the soldiers received autographs and group photos, the stage was set for the wrestlers to do what they do best. The Big Show proceeded to perform headlocks and guillotines on some of the troops in attendance.
“This was an absolute remarkable experience for me,” said Janko. “Under any other circumstances, I would’ve never had the opportunity to meet Vince. However, for him and the other WWE superstars to take time out their busy schedules and visit us is simply remarkable."
“It’s been a really wonderful experience to be able to visit the troops again and show support by signing autographs and taking photos,” said Eve.
The visit to CNS was the third of a four-stop tour which began and ended at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan.