Wrestlers grapple for troops in Iraq

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WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  Thousands of servicemembers in Iraq got up close and personal with professional wrestlers from World Wrestling Entertainment, and the rest of the world will get a chance to watch.

The entertainment group’s weekly “Smackdown” program will air Dec. 23 on UPN, featuring matches conducted Dec. 18 at Camp Speicher, Iraq. It is the second year the entertainment outlet has teamed with Armed Forces Entertainment to bring the event to deployed servicemembers.

“Some of the wrestlers have a ‘bad-boy’ image, but they’re really the nicest people,” said Capt. Joe Wellman, Air Force representative to AFE.

Vince McMahon, WWE chairman, and 19 other wrestling superstars shook hands and signed autographs at 17 forward-deployed locations during a three-day visit. The contingent of wrestlers included Eddie Guerrero, Big Show, Kurt Angle, the Undertaker, Mick Foley, Miss Jackie, Dawn Marie and Torrie Wilson.

“WWE brought a taste of home and a dose of encouragement to our deployed forces,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John. P. Jumper. “Whether in major productions, or simple handshake and autograph sessions, their actions show they and the American people truly appreciate the sacrifices our troops make for them.”