Mike Boyette

Michael Bowyer[1] (April 24, 1943 – December 6, 2012), also known by the ring name Mike "The California Hippie" Boyette, was an American professional wrestler, who made his debut in 1966.[2]

Mike Boyette
Birth nameMichael Bowyer
Born(1943-04-24)April 24, 1943
Tucson, Arizona
DiedDecember 6, 2012(2012-12-06) (aged 69)[1]
Alabama
ChildrenKristi Bowyer
Lance Bowyer
Steve Bowyer
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Mike Boyette[1]
The California Hippie[1]
Hollywood Hippie
Hippie Boyette
Grenade Boyer
Grenade Bowyer
The Beastman[1]
Apocalypse
Billed fromSan Diego, California
Trained byEddie Sharkey
Verne Gagne
Debut1966[1]
Retired1988

Early life

Boyette was born in Tucson, Arizona. Prior to his career in wrestling, he became a judo champion while serving in the United States Marines and earned a place in the 1964 Olympic team in Tokyo, but broke his leg and had to give up his spot.[1]

Professional wrestling career

In 1966, Boyette began his wrestling career and was trained by Eddie Sharkey and Verne Gagne. He became second in all three United States Tag Team title competitions. In the early 80's he was given a push in Southwest Championship Wrestling as Grenade Boyer, a heel character who could "explode" at any time. The character was not popular and Boyette was regulated to jobber. In 1985, Boyette wrestled in the Universal Wrestling Federation and had a total of 197 losses.[1]

Boyette died in Alabama, survived by his daughter Kristi Bowyer and 2 sons, Lance & Steve. He had 7 grandchildren & 4 great grandchildren.

Championships and accomplishments

References

General
  • Laffere, Charles (2004). "The Man... the Legend... the Hippy". Kayfabememories.com.
  • Oliver, Greg (December 7, 2012). "Mike "The Hippie" Boyette dies". Canadian Online Explorer. SLAM! Sports.
  • Powell, Jason (December 8, 2012). "WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross on the death of Mike Boyette". Prowrestling.net.
Specific
  1. "Mike Boyette - Wrestling Profiles". Obsessed With Wrestling. Archived from the original on December 12, 2012. Retrieved December 8, 2012.
  2. "Remembering professional wrestling's "Hippie," Mike Boyette". The Alabama News. Retrieved December 8, 2012.
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