BY MATT LINDSEY

North Country This Week

MASSENA -- A professional wrestling school is slated to open next month in the St. Lawrence Centre mall.

Massena native Shaun Balaban, who is fresh off a cameo appearance at a WWE pay-per-view, will be running Fight for the Mind Pro Wrestling Dojo.

The school will be housed in an empty storefront in the mall next to the boxing club and across from Olympia Sports.

“The school will not only be me training the aspiring students, but other local professionals who also have impressive resumes as well as guest trainers every few months,” he said.

Balaban, who wrestles under the moniker Shooter Storm, has nearly two decades experience and has had two tryouts with WWE. The first tryout was for the character Hornswoggle, a character that lasted nearly 10 years.

Balaban has purchased a new wrestling ring from High Spots, which provides rings to many wrestling promotions across the United States.

A grand opening is set to take place Aug. 3 with special guests, including a top name in the industry, Balaban said.

“I believe a pro wrestling school will thrive in this area. There are no schools within (about) 400 miles each way. This area is starving for wrestling … both shows and a place to learn.”

For those not looking to train to be a wrestler but still have interest in being a part of wrestling, Balaban will teach others about the ins and outs of being a wrestling manager, valet or referee.

In separate but related news, the official date for Fight For the Mind 5 is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Shows have been held in Massena and Potsdam and raised money for the Alzheimer’s Association while drawing wrestling stars such as Tommy Dreamer, Buff Bagwell, Cody Deaner and Jesse Neal.

Those who are interested in the school can send Balaban a message on Facebook or call him at 315-705-3441.