WWE helps Wisconsin National Guard muscle into fan base

By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson

Wisconsin National Guard

Inside the darkened arenas at Milwaukee's Bradley Center and Green Bay's Resch Center, ring warriors better known as WWE Superstars battled each other in displays of strength, agility and bravado.

Before the lights dimmed, enthusiastic WWE fans purchased souvenirs and moved to their seats to watch the performances that would be seen that week on Monday Night RAW, WWE Superstars and Friday Night Smackdown. Many of those fans met with Wisconsin Army National Guard recruiters, positioned in concourses with information and promotional merchandise.

"It was like a bull rush at first," said Spc. Zollie Johnikin, a recruiter for the 132nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, noting that free merchandise with the National Guard and WWE logos was quickly snatched up at the Bradley Center. Additional promotional items with just the National Guard logo also proved popular among WWE fans.

"We're getting our name out there," Johnikin said of his mission that night. "It's definitely a good experience to get out here and meet the people. If we get a couple of leads, that's great, too."

According to Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Martinson, a Wisconsin Army National Guard recruiter based in Green Bay, the National Guard Bureau coveted the WWE's demographics - many fans are in the 18-35 age category - and sought the partnership that began in 2009. The partnership was recently extended for three months.

"[We] are just trying to get the word out about what we are all about," Martinson said. "We can get in front of a few more faces that can spread the word about the National Guard. If we get some enlistments, it will be well worth our time." He added that the recruiting effort at the WWE Smackdown event went well.

Joe DelGrosso, senior vice president of partnership marketing with WWE, said the arrangement is a win-win situation.

"The WWE is proud of our nation's military and the dedicated men and women who serve in uniform, and we believe our fans share this pride," he said. "Partnering with the Army National Guard is another way we can continue supporting the military and also help the Guard get its message out to thousands of people."

In addition to providing promotional opportunities for the National Guard during its live events, WWE promotes fitness as well as Guard youth programs such as Challenge Academy.

Eve Torres, the current WWE Divas Champion, has performed in WWE's annual special "Tribute to the Troops" dedicated to service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan, calling the opportunity to do so "an incredible experience."

"[The troops] are so excited to see us, and we're excited to be there," she said during a brief visit with Wisconsin National Guard members and guests prior to the start of the show in Milwaukee.

"We've built a good relationship with the National Guard," Torres said. "The National Guard is a little closer to our hearts."