The lady wrestlers are back and they’re rowdier than ever.

The Austin instance of the Collective of Lady Arm Wrestlers (or CLAW for short) are returning to Rainey Street to demonstrate their might and raise money for a good cause. After last year’s hugely successful turnout, CLAWstin’s organizers, civic-minded Austinites Beth Taylor and Jen Murrill, were able to donate over $6,000 to their chosen charity, 1 House At a Time.

“It was an amazing night that far surpassed all of our original goals,” says Taylor. “We were hoping for maybe $2,000 the first time around. And now we know what we’re capable of. So this next show is going to be even more exciting, more concentrated.”

Three of the wrestlers from last year’s show will return, and five new lovely ladies will make their debuts. With names like Crusherella, Gina Tonic and Pain Fonda, you know you’re in for a good night of clean, campy fun for a good cause.

With the help of three easily bribed judges, seven-foot emcee Westen Borghesi, crooked referee Leah “The Boss” Moss, and a slew of wrestling cheerleaders, victors will be determined for the Arm Wrestling Champion, the Best Dressed, and the All-Around Most Ridiculous wrestler.

The real winners, however, will be CLAW’s charity of choice for this show, Upside of Down. This family-run local nonprofit helps raise awareness and acceptance of Austinites with Down’s Syndrome and provides funding to new research affecting cognition treatment for both Down’s and Alzheimer’s.

Owners Teana and Jeffrey Ross started the organization a year after their daughter, Presley, was born with Down’s. “We want to make sure everyone sees that she’s a person first, and someone with Down’s Syndrome second,” says Teana. “It’s our mission to provide opportunities for special people just like her.”

Part of the goal for CLAW this time around is sending adults and children like Presley to summer camp. According to Teana, for every $750 raised at the event, they will be able to send another adult or child to camp for a week. With last year's numbers, that would equal eight happy campers; with your support, it can be even more.

The goal is set, the players are gathered, and the excitement mounts. Will you be there when the elbows hit the table, and one-by-one, the fists come down?

Come cheer on your favorite wrestlers and give to a good cause when CLAW 2 erupts at Bar 96 on April 19 at 8pm. $5.00 gets you entry and your first CLAW bucks (to bribe the ref and judges). Additional CLAW bucks are $1.00, so get ready to make it rain!