WWE SMACKDOWN! SUPERSTARS HEAD TO THE MIDDLE EAST FOR A "HOLIDAY TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS," ON WWE SMACKDOWN!, THURSDAY, DEC. 23 (8:00-10:00PM, ET/PT) ON UPN

World Wrestling Entertainment� Chairman Vince McMahon� leads 18 SMACKDOWN!� Superstars to the Middle East to share the holidays with the U.S. troops. In what is becoming an annual tradition for World Wrestling Entertainment and our troops operating in harm�s way, these Superstars will perform before thousands of men and women of the U.S. military in the Middle East, on �WWE�s Holiday Tribute to the Troops� on WWE SMACKDOWN!, Thursday, Dec. 23, (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on UPN.

This holiday spectacular will feature exciting matches and touching taped features that share with the American public the experience of daily life for U.S. servicemen and women as they continue to fight in the name of freedom in Iraq.

This tour is organized by Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE). AFE has identified WWE as one of the most popular entertainment tours for servicemen and women. During the past few years, WWE has increased its tours of military bases in the United States and abroad, and built a reputation as a strong supporter of our troops. This is the second consecutive year that AFE has invited WWE to come perform for the troops in the Middle East around the holidays.

The USO of Metropolitan Washington this year honored WWE with its first ever �Legacy of Hope� Award in recognition of the WWE�s tireless service to our troops and its efforts to keep the legacy of Bob Hope alive. WWE and the USO have collaborated from the beginning of the USO�s Operation Care Package program, seeking donations and promoting the program with WWE viewers. WWE SMACKDOWN! Superstars intend to deliver care packages to servicemen and women in conjunction with the tour.

RATING: To Be Announced