# Ruthless #22: Tribute to the Troops 2003 | WWE SmackDown 12/25/03 Review

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-north-south-connection-470511/ruthless-22-tribute-to-the-troops-2003-wwe-smackdown-12-25-03-review
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-north-south-connection-470511/ruthless-22-tribute-to-the-troops-2003-wwe-smackdown-12-25-03-review.md
Podcast: [The North-South Connection](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-north-south-connection-470511)
Published: 2026-07-17T13:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://northsouthconnection.podbean.com/e/ruthless-22-tribute-to-the-troops-2003-wwe-smackdown-122503-review/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/2upt7wu9auxx2f55/Ruthless_22_WWE_Smackdown_12_25_03_Christmas_in_Baghdad_Edited_8jqhx.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3838

## Resource

On this special episode of Ruthless, Matt Ferrell is joined by Dan to revisit the historic WWE SmackDown Tribute to the Troops special from December 25, 2003. The guys break down WWE’s first-ever Tribute to the Troops event, discussing the unique atmosphere, memorable matches, and emotional moments as WWE brought entertainment overseas to members of the United States military during the height of the Ruthless Aggression Era. What makes this episode especially powerful is Dan sharing his personal perspective, having been stationed in Afghanistan during this period. Along the way, he offers firsthand stories, memories, and insight into what this event meant to service members watching from overseas. It’s a thoughtful look back at a unique moment in WWE history, blending wrestling nostalgia with real-world perspective and personal reflection.WWE Tribute to the Troops 2003, WWE SmackDown December 25 2003, Ruthless Aggression Era, WWE military tribute show, WWE 2003 review, WWE podcast, wrestling podcast, Matt Ferrell, Tribute to the Troops review, WWE history podcast, pro wrestling review, Afghanistan military stories, WWE retrospective, wrestling nostalgia, WWE SmackDown review, Ruthless podcast, WWE 2000s analysis

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## Transcript

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