10 Fascinating WWE Survivor Series 2011 Facts

You may be wondering why, exactly, Ziggler had to pull double-duty when it seemed as though the WWE roster contained like 60 or 70 male wrestlers at the time (this may be an exaggeration - or not). Those watching regularly at that point may remember that Ziggler wasn't originally double-booked.

The original fifth member of the heel side was Christian, who was in the middle of an upper-midcard feud with Sheamus. Eleven days before Survivor Series, Christian badly sprained his ankle during a match with 'The Celtic Warrior' in Belgium, which necessitated pulling him from the pay-per-view. Ziggler was inserted as a means of getting over his character's bravado, another way to raise his growing profile.

For what it's worth, The Wrestling Observer reports that JBL (by this time retired for more than two years) was contacted in regards to appearing at Survivor Series, but WWE rescinded the offer when JBL said he wasn't willing to wrestle. There's a decent chance he may have been considered for the open fifth spot at one time, as a one-night cameo.