Examining 4 Ways to Make WWE Tribute to the Troops a More Must-See Event

Tribute to the Troops 2016 was an illustration of how much more compelling the event can be when it is more connected to the larger WWE world.

The annual show is a celebration of the United States Armed Forces, a smart public relations move and a way to give back to the troops. It's not normal appointment TV. 

That's largely because, like a house show, what happens at Tribute to the Troops doesn't affect WWE's narratives. The patriotic babyfaces topple the foreign heels in solid action that is quickly forgotten.

It is the wrestling equivalent of an exhibition game.

This year, WWE infused some elements into the event that are worth repeating. Teams battled for a pay-per-view title match. The former members of a hugely popular stable stood alongside each other again.

The blueprint for future Tribute to the Troops shows should borrow those, as well as the event's past highlights.

A Showdown with High Stakes   

The Tribute to the Troops lineup can't be filled with climactic matches overflowing with hype. The calendar is already too packed to make space for a quality build to this show. But WWE can add one relevant clash to the card.

This year, WWE used Tribute to the Troops to decide the No. 1 contenders to the Raw Tag Team Championship. 

The New Day fended off a quartet of teams on Monday's Raw to ensure the trio broke the record for the longest tag title reign in WWE history, per the Sporting News' Scott Keith. The champs, though, didn't have an opponent for Sunday's Roadblock: End of the Line PPV.

So on Wednesday, in front of a crowd comprised of servicemen and servicewomen, four squads collided for the right to challenge The New Day. It was a high-stakes bout used to set up a future show.

This isn't the norm. Previous years have seen Superstars collide in inconsequential six-man tag matches or contests where female wrestlers dress up like Santa.

The last time Tribute to the Troops featured a No. 1 contender's match or title tilt was 2005 when Ric Flair defended the Intercontinental Championship.

More bouts like Wednesday's Fatal 4-Way would compel fans to watch. The audience doesn't currently feel like it's missing out on any significant developments. That would change if each year's event had a bout that carried weight.

Buzzworthy Moments  

A lasting image was the talk of Tribute to the Troops 2016.

Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, former brothers in arms but now sworn enemies, reassembled briefly backstage. The trio shared a tense faceoff with The Club and The New Day.

This is something WWE can now reference and build on in future stories. Reigns and Rollins could continue to grow more trusting of each other. Ambrose could talk about how that gathering reminded him of the good old days.

Seeing The Shield together again ignited conversation online. Radio personality Sam Roberts was among those blown away by the moment:

Providing water-cooler talk like that is something Tribute to the Troops should strive for every year. John Cena dressed as Santa Claus as he beat down Vince McMahon in 2007 doesn't fit that bill, nor does the 2005 clash between Mick Foley and John "Bradshaw" Layfield as good and bad Santas.

The annual event is often treated like a throwaway holiday show. Viewers will treat it as such unless it features more significant happenings.

Reunions, dream pairings or truth-tinted promos would boost Tribute to the Troops. WWE has to offer a single moment that will echo afterward, that will trend on social media.

More Special Appearances   

An influx of celebrity and nostalgia is an easy way to elevate WWE's military-appreciation show.

This year, comedian Gabriel Iglesias joined the WWE circus as he stood in Apollo Crews' corner. The company could have leaned on his presence more. An increased number of comedy bits with him and WWE Superstars could have created some buzzworthy moments for many people.

Tribute to the Troops is often more entertainment-based than wrestling-based anyway. 

WWE could invite the former host of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart, to emcee the event. It could bring a famous fan like Melissa Joan Hart aboard as well.

Tribute to the Troops would also benefit from more cameos from past stars.

One of the event's biggest moments came back in 2003, its first year of existence. 

In past years, WWE has invited the likes of Sgt. Slaughter and Foley to the event. The company would be smart to ask other blasts from the past to attend, too.

Should that become more commonplace, audiences would make sure to check out the show to see who appears next. 

Royal Rumble Tie-In   

The timing of Tribute to the Troops makes it natural to connect it to the Royal Rumble somehow.

It normally falls near Christmas, which is weeks before the January PPV. And just as the Rumble sets up WrestleMania, Tribute to the Troops should set up the first big show of the year. The military event would immediately be more significant.

WWE could set up a qualifier match for the annual Battle Royal. This would be a good chance to showcase some NXT stars. Tye Dillinger and Hideo Itami battling for the right to be a part of the Rumble, for example, would be a fun addition to the show.

The 30th spot in the Battle Royal could be on the line, as well.

These aren't elements that would take much setup. They would, however, make Tribute to the Troops more newsworthy. And rather than an event that exists in a universe all its own, it would be a necessary piece of the calendar.

The company should shoot to implement a tradition in this spirit. 

Tribute to the Troops is already important in terms of WWE's connection with the military community. Tweaks and additions that bolster the event would provide more incentive to watch it all unfold.