Survivor Series 2011: Dolph Ziggler to Pull Double Duty and Defend U.S. Title

According to both PWInsider.com and 411Mania.com, Dolph Ziggler will not only take part in the 5-on-5 elimination bout at Survivor Series 2011, but will also defend his U.S. title against John Morrison.

This is quite surprising, because the leading candidate for the title shot was Zack Ryder—especially if his petitioning on Raw was any indication.

Nonetheless, Morrison is an intriguing choice for the match, given all the rumors spelling the end of his tenure in the WWE. Fanning the flames of his imminent departure is the piece of news—according to the Wrestling Observer—that the "Prince of Parkour's" contract is set to expire on December 1st.

Morrison is not booked for any events after that date, so either he is merely fulfilling the remainder of his WWE contract or he will re-sign an extension.

An incentive that may come the former ECW and Intercontinental Champion's way is a triumphant victory over Dolph Ziggler at the 25th annual Survivor Series. It may be too little, too late now for the acrobatic wrestler but a high-profile U.S. title win may be just enough to nudge him to stay in the WWE.

That being said, becoming the new United States Champion at Survivor Series is not likely to atone for the betrayal Morrison feels about not only the manner in which his girlfriend Melina has been treated, but the way he's been regularly depicted on WWE TV.

Note: This report has been confirmed by WWE.com