Clash of the Champions XIX

April 28, 1992

UTC Arena - Chattanooga, TN

Storylines

Left reeling after A-Town Showdown, The Dangerous Alliance were almost totally absent from the WCW Saturday Night premiere. Arn Anderson was the exception to that rule however, showing up solo to challenge Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart. Anderson recalled their tag team tilts “up north,” dismissing Hart as selfish for seeking singles accolades. By contrast, Anderson never needed that stardom, but would now dethrone Hart in an effort to regain The Dangerous Alliance’s momentum.

That ‘Saturday Night’ rebrand came with the exclusive footage from A-Town Showdown, concluding in triumphant fashion as Hart, Ricky Steamboat, Sting and Barry Windham shared interview time. After sending love to Dustin and Dusty Rhodes, WCW’s heroes allowed Hart to respond, dismissing Anderson’s critiques and accepting his challenge. In the weeks that followed, Anderson scored multiple singles wins, most memorably defeating Windham after Rick Rude interference.

Going into the bout, Windham had been on a roll, scoring wins weekly after his emphatic handling of Larry Zbyszko. As a result, The Dangerous Alliance saw Anderson’s victory as a major momentum shift, but ‘The Enforcer’ didn’t share their delight. Instead, Anderson resented the notion that he needed any help to beat Windham, requesting that he be allowed to do it on his own against Hart.

Encouraged by his controversial win over Ricky Morton, Zbyszko makes his own statement, challenging Sting as a slightly bemused Paul E. Dangerously looked on. On the final WCW Saturday Night before Clash of the Champions XIX, Ricky Steamboat and Steve Austin went to a time-limit draw in a thrilling main event for the Television Title. Austin previously defended his title against Brad Armstrong, who impressed in defeat.

Elsewhere, Badd Company debuted, attacking Marcus Alexander Bagwell after he’d scored a singles win. Teddy Long watched on, proudly revealing his new tag team clients. Badd Company’s second attempt at such an attack would be halted though, as Jushin Liger made the unexpected save to set up their title match.

While he and Big Josh continued to have success in tag team competition, Ron Simmons’ focus was seemingly elsewhere, regularly reiterating his hopes to become a singles champion in 1992. On the other hand, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express were back in a major way, quickly making themselves comfortable in the win column and stressing their goal of again being World Tag Team champions.

Jeff Jarrett was revealed as WCW’s newest signing, with his in-ring debut being promoted for Clash of the Champions. Beforehand, his backstory was showcased on television with extensive vignettes. Very different vignettes spotlighted Diamond Studd’s emerging relationship with Vinnie Vegas, as the pair bonded over a game of Blackjack. The Steiners latest trip to Japan was also represented in brief highlight videos.

Brian Pillman was praised for his spirited efforts against Hart, being deemed a future world champion by Jim Ross and Tony Schiavone. Johnny B. Badd was less impressed, taking fleeting shots at Pillman following his own television wins.

Finally, Diamond Dallas Page and Hollywood Bob Holly entered a conflict with The WCW Patriots, winning handily.

Event

Getting underway in eventful fashion, Clash of the Champions XIX opened with a title change, as Badd Company became United States Tag Team champions. Timely interference from Teddy Long allowed the result, distracting referee Nick Patrick as Pat Tanaka floored Marcus Alexander Bagwell with a title belt shot to the head.

Jeff Jarrett’s in-ring debut followed, shining bright in a brief but emphatic win over ‘Jumping’ Joey Maggs. Sting produced similar results against Larry Zbyszko, with ‘The Cruncher’ only slightly delaying the inevitable before being overwhelmed by ‘The Franchise.’

Big Josh and Ron Simmons repeated their win over Abdullah the Butcher and Cactus Jack, but that wasn’t the headline. In the match’s final moments, Simmons inadvertently nailed Josh with a clothesline, then watching on as their opponents inexplicably brawled themselves out of yet another contest. As Simmons watched on, Josh struggled to his feet, attacking his partner from behind as their count-out win was announced.

Elsewhere, Vader continued to dominate, obliterating PN News in violent fashion.

Dusty Rhodes’ highly anticipated live appearance followed, returning to WCW after The Dangerous Alliance’s attack at The Omni. Rhodes wouldn’t be alone for his interview with Jesse Ventura however, being accompanied by Dustin, Ricky Steamboat and Sting to avoid a repeat of the A-Town Showdown incident. Ultimately, Rhodes made an announcement on Nick Bockwinkel’s behalf, revealing that at WrestleWar, Team WCW would meet The Dangerous Alliance in WarGames!

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express remained in the win column, defeating The State Patrol with their iconic Double Dropkick. In their post-match interview, it was confirmed that they were now number one contenders, getting their shot at Arn Anderson and Bobby Eaton on an upcoming edition of WCW Saturday Night.

In the co-main event, ‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude retained his United States Title, requiring Paul E. Dangerously to survive Barry Windham. Dangerously held Windham’s foot to the mat as he attempted to suplex Rude in from the apron, allowing the champion to barely keep his foe’s shoulders down for three.

Without that help, Arn Anderson competed admirably against Bret Hart, as the pair shared a gruelling main event. Ultimately, Anderson came up just short, being caught by an inside cradle as he looked to close the show via DDT. Devastated by the result, Anderson was almost frozen as The Dangerous Alliance hit the ring, attacking Hart after staying out of the match itself. Help soon arrived regardless, as Rhodes, Steamboat, Sting and Windham made the save, resulting in a brief but frenetic brawl.

The Dangerous Alliance eventually bailed, standing on the stage for a stare-down with WCW’s protectors. Anderson was late to join his faction though, slowly walking towards them with disappointment etched on his face. Either way, WarGames was seemingly set, a fight for World Championship Wrestling’s future!

Results