WWE Payback 2016: 10 Things WWE Got Right

9. Giving Fans That Big Bret Hart Pop

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WWE.com

The live Chicago crowd were extremely pleased to see the 'Hitman' Bret Hart walk down the aisle and embrace Natalya.

Overcoming cancer, this is the first time Hart has been seen on WWE television since he announced he was battling the disease. There was an outpouring of good vibes aimed directly at Bret when he walked out at Payback.

Obviously, WWE have a patchy history when it comes to Hart. Even looking beyond the obvious (the infamous 'Montreal Screwjob'), in more modern times he hasn't been used effectively.

A dire United States Title win back in 2010 and awful match against Vince McMahon at WrestleMania XXVI stand out as prime examples.

Thankfully, there was little to spoil his appearance here, at least before the WWE Women's Title clash got underway. The finish of Natalya vs. Charlotte did seem very lazy, WWE should not have booked a reprise of the 1997 Survivor Series again.

Still, putting Hart in Natalya's corner was the right move. It gave the bout credibility going in, something temporary challenger Natalya badly needed.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.