When Beerland booker Max Dropout launched Inspire Pro Wrestling last year, he promised that Austin’s newest grappling promotion would make an impact. This week, not one but two international stars step in his squared circle. First, fans of Japanese puroresu will want to catch IPW’s “Unholy” Greg James lock up with New Japan Pro Wrestling’s rising star Takaaki Watanabe. But the big excitement will be reserved for the hottest talent on the American indie circuit, Chris Hero. Heads were scratched when the industry’s leviathan, the WWE, dropped Hero from a contract late last year, but the 15-year veteran and master of the elbow smash is already back in the ring and cracking skulls. Austin’s meanest, Ray “Death” Rowe, will be sure to greet him with the toughest offense that IPW can offer. At the top of the card, there’s a four-way dance to decide the number one contender for the championship, with JoJo Bravo, Gary Jay, Franco D’Angelo and the mysterious masked Void all reaching for the belt.

Sun., Jan. 5, 5:30pm. Marchesa Hall & Theatre, 6406 N I-35, 512/454-2000. $10. www.inspireprowrestling.com.

This article appears in 2013.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.