Lilian Garcia recalls singing anthem at WWE SmackDown following 9/11 attacks

WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia recently recounted her experience performing the national anthem at a live WWE SmackDown event in Houston. The broadcast took place just two days after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, marking one of the first major public gatherings in the United States following the tragedy. Garcia noted that Vince McMahon requested the performance after deciding the show should continue. She shared that she received encouragement from Paul Heyman and The Rock before taking the stage to address the arena. The announcer said she continues to share footage of the performance annually to honor the sense of national unity she observed that evening. Garcia reflected on the high levels of anxiety and pressure surrounding the event while emphasizing the historical significance of the broadcast.

• 8:05 PMWrestling Inc — Lillian Garcia Recalls Singing National Anthem On WWE SmackDown After 9/11