Stephanie and Vince McMahon, Big Show Talk the Power of Visiting Troops

– Stephanie McMahon, Vince McMahon, Big Show and NXT Superstar Kenneth Crawford spoke with ESPN on their experiences visiting with the troops throughout the year ahead of next week’s Tribute to the Troops. Some highlights are below:

Stephanie on visiting veterans: “I can’t describe to you that feeling of humility to be able to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives defending our freedom. Basically, it’s a privilege, and that’s how WWE looks at it. It’s the least that we can do to say thank you to the servicemen and women and their families who sacrifice so much.”

Vince on Tribute to the Troops: “It is my greatest honor to support our servicemen and women, and we do it in the best way we know how, and that is to entertain them and make them smile. But what servicemen and women may not realize is that we are the ones who are profoundly changed after meeting them. Their courage and bravery is truly inspirational.”

NXT star Kenneth Crawford on being involved as a former serviceman: “In my personal opinion, [WWE] represents and appreciates military more than any other company out there. They take the time to reach out to a base or VA hospital and that speaks volumes to us because there are so many service members, and when you watch superstars coming in who you grew up appreciating, they thank you. But in retrospect it’s like you are thanking them for entertaining you for so many years.”

Big Show on almost going into the Marines as a young adult: “I was just too big. I was too big for the equipment to ride in, the equipment to wear. So the recruiter actually advised me it probably wouldn’t have been a good life for me, which I’m kind of sad about because I think I would have had a good time. But he’s probably right.”