Presented by Tom White
Being born and raised in a peaceful country is something many take for granted. However, some people flee their countries for peace and safety. They often have had to cross borders with little more than the clothes on their backs, leaving behind homes, possessions, jobs, and even their loved ones.
In their new countries refugees have to start all over again, look for a new home, learn a new language, and find a way to put food on their tables often while facing racism and discrimination, leaving them feeling isolated and marginalized. Nevertheless, Albert Aldahawi is a refugee who has overcome many struggles to become a renowned professional wrestler and entrepreneur.
Albert, commonly known as Albie, was born in Amman, Jordan, but his family fled due to the war against Christians when he was just six years old. They relocated to Australia, where growing up was tough for him as he was thrust into a different culture and tasked with learning a new language, which made him distance himself from others even at school.
At home, he would watch wrestling with his father on television, and he then realized he was fond of the sport. Albie started posting videos on YouTube wrestling with his younger brother in the backyard, which amassed over 20 million views and opened new opportunities for him.
His early success on YouTube gave Albie a platform upon which he built the foundation of his career. Albie made his Australian Wrestling Federation (AWF) debut in 2014. He currently holds the AWF Tag-Team Champion title and holds wrestling and charity events in his local community.
His growth as a fitness model has seen him land shoots with renowned brands like Nike, Levi’s, and Men’s Health Magazine Australia. Albie has also created Albie Fragrance, which has sold over 96,000 bottles through Men’s Health Magazine Australia and Albieshop.com. He has also sold the rights to the Albie Perfume brand for 1.6 million Australian Dollars to City Perfume Australia.
In addition to his success as a professional wrestler and fitness model, he has also succeeded as an entrepreneur. In 2022, he and his business partner Steve Sidd started Catering HQ Logistics, where he is the director of 11 venues and employs over 300 staff, creating job opportunities.
Albie’s journey, however, has had many ups and downs. Many people judged him due to his Middle Eastern background. As a refugee who couldn’t yet speak fluent English, he was often criticized by his peers. But he did not let all this get him down. He ignored other people’s comments and believed in himself and his dreams.
Albie says it doesn’t matter where you come from or how hard your childhood was; what matters is the future and where you want to be in the years to come. He advises people to trust their intuitions and focus on fulfilling their potential. He also says giving up is not an option. You have to move on no matter the obstacles you encounter.
In the future, Albie hopes to win another championship with a wrestling company in Australia. Albie is working on starting a retail range within Catering HQ logistics, growing his catering company, and providing excellent quality, high-value meals to his customers. He is also working on a new fragrance for a new Albie collection, which he will promote through Men’s Health Magazine Australia.