By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Background: WWE top stars John Cena and Sheamus participated in a Tribute to the Troops conference call on Thursday promoting next week's Tribute specials on USA Network and NBC, as well as offering their praise for the military personnel they encountered during Troops Week last week in Virginia.

During the call, Cena offered his view on why WWE switched to PG programming and why he believes it's the best option for WWE at this time.

"It was a legitimate conscious decision," Cena said of the switch. "Our programming has changed so much over the years. I started in 2002 and our programming was more TV-14, edgy, anti-hero-based, conflict-hero-based. And, since then, I think our programming has made a turn for the better into more of a PG environment. All of our programming, platform-wise, is PG."

Cena added, "The reason for that is simply because the people who attend our events. More families began to attend, more children began to attend. When you have those young and youthful eyes looking at you and you know you're global, you tend to have choices to make. Me being portrayed as a good guy on our programming, it was an obvious choice. I wanted to do my best to use my television time to set a good example."

Also during the conference call, which included U.S. Rear Admiral Tim Alexander, Commander, U.S. Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Cena previewed the Tribute special that will air on USA and NBC.

"I'll be competing in a match, and the great thing about our Tribute to the Troops show - whether in its extended form on USA or abbreviated form on NBC - it's a great watch. It's not something that you necessarily have to be up-to-date on all the WWE storylines or all the plots. It really is just a general entertaining program, which is why we have a guest host in the Muppets or musical guests. I, myself, am in a singles match against our current United States champion Antonio Cesaro," Cena said.

"But, it's one show that for the holiday season, you can truly sit down, watch, and enjoy. You don't have to know who's bad, who's good, who's a champion, who's not. You can really just take in the show for what it is - an entertaining hour or two hours either on USA or NBC. But, I'll be doing what I do best - I'll be in the ring doing what I do."

Cena and Sheamus also discussed their favorite moments from filming the Troops specials and interacting with U.S. military representatives, Cena talked about his affinity for the military - with his Hustle, Loyalty, Respect slogan being a tribute to the military - and Sheamus discussed how he's grown to respect the U.S. military after coming to the country from Ireland.

[ FYI: Troops featuring WWE stars, Kid Rock, Flo Rida, the Muppets, Miami Heat representatives, and Katie Couric airs on USA Network on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 9:00 p.m. EST and airs on NBC on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 9:00 p.m. EST ]

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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