Lillian Garcia recalls singing national anthem on WWE SmackDown after 9/11

Ring announcer Lillian Garcia has recalled her experience performing the national anthem during a live episode of WWE SmackDown in Houston, which took place just two days after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Speaking on ‘Busted Open Radio’, Garcia described the intense stress and anxiety she felt during the moment. She noted that Vince McMahon had requested she sing the anthem the day prior when the decision to proceed with the live broadcast was made. Garcia credited Paul Heyman and The Rock for providing comfort before her performance. She reflected on the event annually to remember the sense of national unity experienced in the arena at that time.