By MATT LINDSEY

MASSENA -- A Massena Central graduate has organized a professional wrestling show that will raise money for the Alzheimer’s-Dementia Association and give him the chance to wrestle in his hometown for the first time.

Shaun Balaban, a 2001 graduate from Massena, returns to the North Country April 23 as part of In Your Face Wrestling’s Fight for the Mind Show at 7 p.m. at the Massena Central High School gym. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the chance to meet wrestlers, get autographs and buy merchandise.

“My mom passed away a couple months ago from dementia so I thought I’d organize a benefit show in her memory,” Balaban said.

Former WWE, ECW and TNA wrestler Tommy Dreamer will headline the show as he teams up with Balaban, who goes by the ring name Shooter Storm, to take on The Barbarians in a street fight.

Fans can get in the ring with Tommy Dreamer during intermission and have their photo taken with him for $15 on your own camera.

“I expect there will be people who don't really care for pro wrestling to be there too; just to support the cause,” he said.

People can visit http://www.iyfwrestling.com/ to donate directly to the cause if they cannot make the show but would still like to support, he said.

Balaban began living his dream as a pro wrestler straight out of high school and has entertained crowds all over the world include Puerto Rico, Florida and Georgia.

“I have guys coming from parts of New York, Florida and Canada to wrestle,” he said. “All the wrestlers are working for free and coming up on their own dime. I told them ahead of time that this was a no payday show and there we no hard feelings.”

Female Canadian wrestlers Eve “The Black Widow” will battle Stacy Thibault and In Your Face heavyweight champion Drake Evans will defend his title.

Although the roster is not set, Watertown’s Jay Freddie, who is coming off a recent tour of Japan, is schedule to be on the show. Others expected to wrestle include Payne and NWA Upstate wrestler Dewey Murray.

This will be the first time professional wrestling has been in Massena since TNA held a show in 2013.

Balaban said he is getting television and radio ads to promote the event as well as posting 500 color flyers locally.

“People who watch Monday Night Raw and Friday Night Smackdown should be seeing our ads,” he said.

Promoting the event is vital the success of the show, Balaban said.

“Jesus Christ could be coming down but if no one promotes it then no one will show up,” he said. “I am expecting 1,000 plus and if this is successful I hope to do it again,” Balaban said.

Tickets are $15 for the first two rows and $10 for general admission. People can buy them by calling 518-651-1708 or by visiting http://www.iyfwrestling.com/. Tickets will be on sale next week in Massena at Mojo Rising, 50 Main St. and Family Eye Care, 48 Main St.

Prior to the show Dreamer will host a wrestling seminar for current or aspiring wrestlers, announcers, valets, managers and referees. It will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the high school gym. The fee is $40.