Rookies To Legends
WWF Magazine, August, 1999
How does one get the nickname of "Prince Albert"? The chances are that it has nothing to do with royalty!
Rather, the nickname this 25-year-old, six-foot-four-inch, 330-pound monster from Boston, Massachusetts, adopted is a familiar term in the world of body piercing. For those aware of its other meaning, no explanation is nedessary. For those who haven't yet figured it out, perhaps you're better off. After all, ignorance is bliss - especially for those of the male persuasion!
Originally from Peabody, Massachusetts, the superstar was always involved in sports while growing up - football, basketball and baseball - and he chose to continue his gridiron career at the University of Pittsburgh in the early 1990's. After starting out as an offensive tackle for the Pitt Panthers, the big man moved to offensive guard by his senior year. Ironically, he first met his current partner, Droz, when Pitt played the University of Maryland.
It was also in college where the Prince discovered piercing - first beginning with his ears, followed by his tongue. However, after graduating with degrees in legal studies and special education, Albert accepted a teaching position and was forced to curtail his love of the body art. Little did he realize that one of his co-worlers in the school was a friend of World Wrestling Federation Hall of Famer Killer Kowalski, a legendary superstar Albert had grown up watching on television!
"I had always been a fan of Killer," Prince Albert told WWF Magazine. "When I was a kid, I always watched wrestling...everything from Kowalski, the Von Erichs, Bob Backlund and George "The Animal" Steele. The guy in the school told me I should go and see Killer and give wrestling a try. Killer invited me down; I gave it a shot, and it was justa matter of being in the right place at the right time."
After training at Lowalski's school in Massachusetts, the superstar was soon working his way up the sports-entertainment ladder by attending the Federation training camp in 1997. There he was re-united with Droz and became his personal tattoo and piercing artist! While Droz went on to shine in the Federation spotlight, Albert continued his training in Memphis, Tenneddee's Power Pro Wrestling organization. The six-month experience provided him with invaluable ring experience, and also a chance to rediscover his love of piercings.
"While I was down there, I got a few more piercings," Albert says. "Every time I go to a different part of the country, I like to try and get something new done to my body."
Still wondering what "Prince Albert" means? Feel free to research the meaning. Perhaps a trip to your local piercing parlor might be in order? Remember, ask what it is before ordering...but don't say we didn't warn you!