Background: Dustin Rhodes was given the opportunity to wrestle for the WCW Television Championship held by Lord Steven “William” Regal during the company’s first big event of the New Year.
Clash of the Champions XXVI
Baton Rouge, LA
January 27, 1994
Steven Regal vs. Dustin Rhodes
They were already in the ring as the show returned, with Regal not being pleased with having to lock up with “The Natural”. According to the champion, Dustin was a little too rough looking for the collar & elbow that would cause some cauliflowering if Lord Steven wasn’t careful. Angry about Regal’s hesitation and a cheap shot he threw when they tumbled into the ropes, Rhodes lit him up with right hands. Whipping the reentering Regal across the ring, the challenger had his opposition fearful of the damage done to his left arm. Heading to lower ground, Regal got a time check from his manager, Sir William. It was becoming obvious the champion wanted to grind on Rhodes, but “The grandson of a plumber” didn’t allow his advantage be taken from him via the headlock. Backing Rhodes into the ropes, Regal broke free of his opponent’s grip to land four European uppercuts that had Dustin’s blindly throwing haymakers to no success other being taken down with ease. The crowd started antagonizing Sir William; giving Rhodes the energy to fight back at the five-minute warning in the fifteen-minute time limit.
Muscling his way off the mat didn’t help Dustin as he took a head-butt between the eyes. Using leverage and his height advantage, Rhodes was able to overhead toss Regal for a near fall that was only stopped thanks to the nearness of the ropes. Rhodes, being emotional, caused several broken counts on the floor as the champion tried to shave some time off the clock. When Rhodes got Regal back in, “The Natural” unleashed a flying clothesline and a dropkick that almost ended this one in the challenger’s favor. Heading outside, the champ was looking to earn a count-out loss with only one minute left in the match. Rhodes slung himself over the top rope, downing Regal in the ring before the champion exited again. With ten seconds remaining, Rhodes grabbed Lord Steven as he reentered the ring to hit that running bulldog. By the time Dustin got on top of Regal for a pin attempt the time limit had expired to cause a draw, but no title change.
Winner: Draw (15:00)
Is It A Classic: It wasn’t a classic, but a great way to showcase both blooming talents. Regal was a fantastic TV champion by working alongside the clock and causing a level of anticipation as the time ticked away. Dustin was yet to reach his potential, but he and Regal had great chemistry that could’ve resulted in a future classic.
