BUTLER TWP — When it comes to professional wrestling and the Shriners Hospital for Children in Erie, Joe Rogers is a big fan.

Now the 34-year-old Butler resident is trying to use the former to help the latter.

Rogers is the manager of Five Star Wrestling, an independent pro wrestling promotion business he co-founded in 2010 with Anthony Celender.

Rogers runs the business alone now and is putting together a pro wrestling card in Butler next month to benefit the Shriners Hospital.

“All proceeds from the event will go to help that hospital,” Rogers said. “They are hurting financially and I want to help any way I can.”

Why?

Because Shriners Hospital has repeatedly helped his daughter.

Kaylee, 6, suffers from a genetic disorder known as Nail Patella Syndrome. Her right leg is locked in place and she’s had hip dislocations as a result of this joint and bone disease.

Kaylee has already undergone 10 surgeries in her lifetime.

“Hip, thigh, knees, shins, all of that,” Rogers said. “In her early years, she couldn’t walk at all. Now she can walk a block and a half before she can’t go anymore.

“She’s going to school at Meridian Elementary for half-days this coming year. Without Shriners, she’s nowhere close to that. They do amazing work there, regardless of one’s ability or inability to pay.”

Now, in Rogers’ mind, it’s time for some payback.

His independent circuit has been putting on wrestling shows in West Virginia and Ohio since 2011. Next month’s show will be his first in Pennsylvania.

Wrestlers are donating their time and services. So are many volunteers working the event.

Chris Ashton is a promoter from Uniontown sending a few wrestlers Rogers’ way. He will help out with the event as well.

“When somebody’s doing a benefit to help somebody like this, absolutely, I’ll do everything I can,” Ashton said. “The independent circuit is like that. We can rally together.

“We’ll gladly donate the time.”

The wrestling card will feature former stars from WWE, WCW, ECW and TNA. Local independent circuit wrestlers Jack Pollack of Butler and Payton Graham from Freeport will be in action as well.

Ashton has a pair of wrestling tights autographed by longtime WWE Intercontinental champion Honky Tonk Man that he is donating to be raffled off.

“Whatever I can do to help them, I will,” Ashton said.

Former WWE wrestler Nick Busick, now retired and living in Weirton, W.Va., is coming up for the show. He will not be wrestling.

“I won’t get in the ring. I’m long done with that,” Busick said. “But I’ll sign autographs, get involved in the production, whatever they need.

“I’m willing to help out with anything.”

Rogers was hoping to hold the show Sept. 7, but may have to move it back as he is still looking for a building to house it.

“That’s pretty much what I need,” he said. “One hundred percent of the proceeds is going to the hospital, so I’m looking for as little overhead as possible.

“I’m willing to pay to rent a building. I just can’t pay a lot.”

Anyone who can assist Rogers in gaining a site for the wrestling show, or able to volunteer, may contact him at 724-256-1774.