The event was taped December 11, 2011 in Fayetteville, North Carolina at the Crown Coliseum, the taping was performed in front of U.S. military service members from the nearby Fort Bragg military base and their families.[12]This is also the first Tribute to the Troops that was taped indoors rather than outdoors.

The event featured a pre-recorded message from President Barack Obama. Nickelback performed the clean version of Burn It to the Ground, the theme song for Raw SuperShow, and When We Stand Together. Sgt. Slaughter made a special appearance. George Wallace performed some stand-up comedy. Mary J. Blige performed Need Someone and Family Affair.