5 times WWE was forced to make last-minute Superstar changes 

The WWE Universe was rocked by the news that Kurt Angle and AJ Styles had been drafted in to replace Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt after the duo had been diagnosed with some kind of viral infection, which was believed to be mumps.

These changes have somehow been able to transform a lacklustre pay-per-view into what could well be an interesting night of wrestling action. The only bad point is the fact that The Shield's long-awaited in-ring reunion has been put on hold because of the illness.

Despite the fact that this announcement has taken over the headlines over the past 24 hours, this isn't the first time that WWE has had to make changes to an event at the last minute. These changes may have been a little less extravagant, but WWE has changed a number of pay-per-view matches at the last minute over the past few years.

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#5 The Big Show — The Great American Bash 2006

Big Show took Khali's place at The Great American Bash

The Great Khali and The Undertaker were embroiled in a personal rivalry heading into The Great American Bash back in 2006. Khali had defeated The Undertaker at Judgement Day and then challenged "the Deadman" to a match that the WWE Universe had never seen before.

The Punjabi Prison made its debut at the event, but Khali didn't follow through on his challenge. The Indian Superstar wasn't medically cleared to compete at the event, so WWE was forced to bring in The Big Show to replace him at the last minute.

This was Khali's own gimmick match so it made no sense to have someone replace him and still go through with the match. However, the Punjab native did later interfere in an attempt to thwart The Undertaker, but the Texan came out on top nevertheless.

#4 Tamina — Beast in the East 2015

Tamina was the last minute replacement for Naomi

In 2015, WWE presented Beast in the East — a Network Special built around Brock Lesnar's first non-pay-per-view match since 2004, which also saw Finn Balor defeat Kevin Owens to claim the NXT Championship.

The Divas Championship was on the line that night as Nikki Bella defended against Naomi and Paige in a triple threat match. The match was then changed at the last minute when it was reported that Naomi had been forced to fly home after news of a death in her family so she was then replaced by Tamina Snuka.

Nikki Bella retained her Championship when she pinned Tamina, so it seemed that Naomi wasn't set to win the title on this occasion anyway.

#3 Erick Rowan — Survivor Series 2014

Erick Rowan was definitely a shock addition to the 2014 Survivor Series match

Survivor Series back in 2014 will always be remembered for the incredible debut of Sting, who interrupted the match between Team John Cena and Team Authority.

The build-up to the match wasn't exactly without its own issues though, as Sheamus was forced to sit out of the event after he was ruled out with an injury. WWE managed to keep his replacement a secret until the final episode of Raw before Survivor Series when Erick Rowan shocked the world when he essentially turned face and went against his long-time friend and Wyatt Family member Luke Harper.

The duo didn't play a huge part in the match itself, but the unveiling of Erick Rowan was one of the biggest shocks ahead of the event, so if WWE's plan was to turn heads, then the addition of Rowan was definitely the right idea.

#2 Johnny Nitro — Vengeance: Night Of Champions 2007

Johnny Nitro was a last minute substitution for Chris Benoit

If you've noticed the year in question here, then you will already know where this one is going. Chris Benoit was set to face CM Punk for the vacant ECW Championship at Vengeance: Night of Champions back in 2007.

Of course, the story of the events that happened that weekend has become quite well-known and, needless to say, Benoit didn't show up at the event and all efforts to contact him were in vain.

WWE decided that the show would go on and brought Johnny Nitro in as a replacement for "The Rabid Wolverine" at the last minute. Fans were confused about the switch, but as more details came to light, it was apparent that the company had made the right decision.

Nitro went on to win the Championship that night, which has led many fans to believe that if Benoit had been at the event, he would have become ECW Champion.

#1 Mark Henry — Elimination Chamber 2015

Mark Henry replaced Rusev at the last minute

Elimination Chamber back in 2015 saw the first ever Chamber match for the vacant Intercontinental Championship after the current Champion Daniel Bryan was unable to return and defend his title because he was still injured.

Rusev was announced as one of the six men in the match the week before the event, but on the day of the show, it was reported that Rusev had a broken foot and was unable to take part, despite being the heavy favourite to win.

Mark Henry was the last minute replacement, but this switch seemingly didn't have a huge impact on the outcome of the match as Ryback lifted the Intercontinental Championship for the first time and was presented with the title by Daniel Bryan following his hard-fought victory.

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