Wrestling's Top 5 Most Patriotic Moments
Wrestling's Top 5 Most Patriotic Moments
5. John Cena Re-Defines Patriotism
It may be an overused cliché; but, John Cena truly is as American as apple pie. From his legendary U.S. Title Open Challenges, to his red, white, and blue wardrobe selection, to his steadfast and constant support for the American military, Cena's patriotism is unparalleled in the world of sports entertainment. Cena, ever the patriot, partnered with the Ad Council to give patriotism new meaning with a video entitled: We Are America - Love Has No Labels. In the video Cena challenges Americans to re-think the traditional modus operandi of traditional patriotism to be more inclusive of all lifestyles. Cena challenged Americans to avoid prejudice and to celebrate and embrace one another and our differences. In a moment that made the entire WWE Universe proud, Cena praised America's diversity and the celebration thereof as truly authentic expression of patriotism.
4. Hulk Hogan Avenges America
He wasn't just any turn coat. He was an American hero, a United States Veteran, an icon of patriotism turned Iraqi sympathizer, in the middle of America's Gulf War against Iraq. Sgt. Slaughter paraded around a pair of spiked boots that he claimed were given to him by American enemy #1: Saddam Hussein. After Randy Savage came to his aid at the Royal Rumble, Slaughter pinned a red white and blue clad Ultimate Warrior to become the WWE Champion, much to the chagrin of the WWE Universe. The victory set up an epic clash in which Slaugher would face (and ultimately lose to) that year's Royal Rumble winner: Hulk Hogan. During the build up to their epic WrestleMania VII match, Slaughter would burn a Hulk Hogan tee shirt, which to early 90s wrestling fans, was akin to burning the American flag itself. The act left millions incensed and solidly behind the Immortal Hulk Hogan. America would have its revenge on Slaughter when American icon, Hulk Hogan, would pin the turncoat at WrestleMania VII, to reclaim the title and bring it back home. What did Hogan do to celebrate? A bloodied, battered, and ultimately victorious Hulk Hogan would proudly wave the American flag before a sold out Los Angeles Coliseum crowd. Announcer Gorilla Monsoon pontificated before the millions watching at home on Pay-Per-View, "The war is officially over."
3. Lex Luger Does the Impossible
Although he was in fact Samoan, Yokozuna was billed as Japan's greatest Sumo wrestler and the very latest in Mr. Fuji's anti-American stable. Fuji and Yokozuna mocked America's inability to best the new WWE Champion and set up the Bodyslam Challenge aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid, with the sole purpose of mocking the United States before its brave men and women in the Navy. Meanwhile, Lex Luger was touring the country on a bus dubbed the Lex Express. His purpose: to travel across America to express his love for this fine country and set himself up as the WWE's new patriotic flag bearer. As fate would have it the Lex Express tour would end at the U.S.S. Intrepid and Lex arrived (dramatically via helicopter) as the last man to challenge the 500 plus pound Yokozuna. Before a cheering crowd of U.S. military personnel, Luger did the impossible and slammed Fuji's prized champion, proving once again that America, even when faced with great odds, can never truly be counted out.
2. "We Got Him!"
No one will ever forget 9/11/2001. As America mourned the passing of 2,996 people as a result of a terrorist attack against New York City, one man was on everyone's mind, the main culprit behind the attack: Osama Bin Laden. Despite a war in Afghanistan and a war in Iraq, Bin Laden proved elusive, as the United States military tried in vein to hunt down the world's most wanted terrorist. It wasn't until May 1st, 2011, nearly 10 years after the attack, that Bin Laden would be killed by Navy Seal Team Six. After the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks was shot down, John Cena interrupted the WWE Extreme Rules Pay-Per-View to simply say, "We got him," as he announced the death of Bin Laden before an uproarious ovation from the Tampa, FL crowd.
1. WWE Makes Post 9/11 History
After 9/11, America was literally in chaos. Although there was much speculation, no one really knew when life would return to normal, or if it ever would. Public gatherings, like sporting events, were seen as attractive targets for terrorists and people debated whether the hosting of such events was prudent in the aftermath of such a heinous travesty. Fear did not stop the WWE, as the company stood boldly in the face of terror to hold the first sporting event after 9/11 (9/13/01), a live Smackdown, only two days after the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil. The WWE called the show the 9/11 Tribute Show and patriotic fervor was in full force. After Lillian Garcia sang the National Anthem before an emotional Texas crowd, Vince McMahon took to the ring to proclaim, "Make no mistake about the message this show sends to terrorists: we will not live our lives in fear," as the WWE went on to make American history.
5. John Cena Re-Defines Patriotism
It may be an overused cliché; but, John Cena truly is as American as apple pie. From his legendary U.S. Title Open Challenges, to his red, white, and blue wardrobe selection, to his steadfast and constant support for the American military, Cena's patriotism is unparalleled in the world of sports entertainment. Cena, ever the patriot, partnered with the Ad Council to give patriotism new meaning with a video entitled: We Are America - Love Has No Labels. In the video Cena challenges Americans to re-think the traditional modus operandi of traditional patriotism to be more inclusive of all lifestyles. Cena challenged Americans to avoid prejudice and to celebrate and embrace one another and our differences. In a moment that made the entire WWE Universe proud, Cena praised America's diversity and the celebration thereof as truly authentic expression of patriotism.
4. Hulk Hogan Avenges America
He wasn't just any turn coat. He was an American hero, a United States Veteran, an icon of patriotism turned Iraqi sympathizer, in the middle of America's Gulf War against Iraq. Sgt. Slaughter paraded around a pair of spiked boots that he claimed were given to him by American enemy #1: Saddam Hussein. After Randy Savage came to his aid at the Royal Rumble, Slaughter pinned a red white and blue clad Ultimate Warrior to become the WWE Champion, much to the chagrin of the WWE Universe. The victory set up an epic clash in which Slaugher would face (and ultimately lose to) that year's Royal Rumble winner: Hulk Hogan. During the build up to their epic WrestleMania VII match, Slaughter would burn a Hulk Hogan tee shirt, which to early 90s wrestling fans, was akin to burning the American flag itself. The act left millions incensed and solidly behind the Immortal Hulk Hogan. America would have its revenge on Slaughter when American icon, Hulk Hogan, would pin the turncoat at WrestleMania VII, to reclaim the title and bring it back home. What did Hogan do to celebrate? A bloodied, battered, and ultimately victorious Hulk Hogan would proudly wave the American flag before a sold out Los Angeles Coliseum crowd. Announcer Gorilla Monsoon pontificated before the millions watching at home on Pay-Per-View, "The war is officially over."
3. Lex Luger Does the Impossible
Although he was in fact Samoan, Yokozuna was billed as Japan's greatest Sumo wrestler and the very latest in Mr. Fuji's anti-American stable. Fuji and Yokozuna mocked America's inability to best the new WWE Champion and set up the Bodyslam Challenge aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid, with the sole purpose of mocking the United States before its brave men and women in the Navy. Meanwhile, Lex Luger was touring the country on a bus dubbed the Lex Express. His purpose: to travel across America to express his love for this fine country and set himself up as the WWE's new patriotic flag bearer. As fate would have it the Lex Express tour would end at the U.S.S. Intrepid and Lex arrived (dramatically via helicopter) as the last man to challenge the 500 plus pound Yokozuna. Before a cheering crowd of U.S. military personnel, Luger did the impossible and slammed Fuji's prized champion, proving once again that America, even when faced with great odds, can never truly be counted out.
2. "We Got Him!"
No one will ever forget 9/11/2001. As America mourned the passing of 2,996 people as a result of a terrorist attack against New York City, one man was on everyone's mind, the main culprit behind the attack: Osama Bin Laden. Despite a war in Afghanistan and a war in Iraq, Bin Laden proved elusive, as the United States military tried in vein to hunt down the world's most wanted terrorist. It wasn't until May 1st, 2011, nearly 10 years after the attack, that Bin Laden would be killed by Navy Seal Team Six. After the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks was shot down, John Cena interrupted the WWE Extreme Rules Pay-Per-View to simply say, "We got him," as he announced the death of Bin Laden before an uproarious ovation from the Tampa, FL crowd.
1. WWE Makes Post 9/11 History
After 9/11, America was literally in chaos. Although there was much speculation, no one really knew when life would return to normal, or if it ever would. Public gatherings, like sporting events, were seen as attractive targets for terrorists and people debated whether the hosting of such events was prudent in the aftermath of such a heinous travesty. Fear did not stop the WWE, as the company stood boldly in the face of terror to hold the first sporting event after 9/11 (9/13/01), a live Smackdown, only two days after the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil. The WWE called the show the 9/11 Tribute Show and patriotic fervor was in full force. After Lillian Garcia sang the National Anthem before an emotional Texas crowd, Vince McMahon took to the ring to proclaim, "Make no mistake about the message this show sends to terrorists: we will not live our lives in fear," as the WWE went on to make American history.
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