Michael Edward Boehne

Michael Edward Boehne, 50, passed away on February 22, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona.

Born on February 15, 1975, in Pontiac, Michigan, Mike was the son of Robert and Kathleen Boehne (now Palmer). From an early age, he was known for his ability to make friends wherever he went. One of his earliest adventures involved his mother finding him at just five years old, sitting with Iowa State University students on the balcony of a nearby fraternity house, enjoying root beer with the guys. 

Mike grew up in Franklin Park, Illinois, where he became an avid soccer player, rode his dirt bike everywhere, and made homemade action movies with his best friend, Paul. A student at Walther Lutheran High School in Melrose Park, Illinois, Mike was involved in many activities. He wrestled, played football, sang in the choir, performed in drama club productions, and was an active member of the student council. Classmates recall Mike as someone with a big heart, an even bigger personality, and an unmatched sense of humor that always brought laughter to those around him. 

After high school, Mike began a career in the security industry. Over the years, he worked his way up from security guard to Regional Vice President at companies like ABM Security Services, Equity Office Properties, and Universal Protection Service. His favorite part of the job was training and educating tenants, including conducting fire and safety drills and seminars in iconic skyscrapers like the Sears (now Willis) Tower. 

A fan of The A-Team as a child, Mike developed a passion for professional wrestling after watching Mr. T team up with Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania I in 1985. At age 25, after training with Ace Steel and Danny Dominion at Steel Domain Wrestling, Mike made his wrestling debut under the persona of “Eric Priest, The Underwear Model” in the Chicago wrestling scene. Mike’s natural charisma, athleticism, and extroverted personality made him a perfect fit for professional wrestling. 

As Eric Priest, Mike became famous for his catchphrases, which he and his fans could recite in unison: “I’m the epitome of masculinity, the pimp of the Midwest, the man who puts the X in sex. The dancing destroyer, the king of sting. The ambassador of kick your assador, the count of Monte Fisto. Every woman’s pet, every man’s threat. The gold standard of professional wrestling.” 

Mike wrestled for several organizations, including World Wrestling Entertainment, Xtreme Pro Wrestling, Ring of Honor Wrestling, National Wrestling Alliance, International Wrestling Association Mid-South, All American Wrestling, and Midwest Championship Wrestling. His wrestling career took him to England, Ireland, Alaska, Red Rock Amphitheatre in Colorado, and nearly half the continental United States. He was televised for the WWE a half dozen times and wrestled alongside big-name stars over the years, including Chris Masters, King Kong Bundy, George "The Animal" Steele, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Shane Douglas, Billy Gunn, Chris Candido, CM Punk, Samoa Joe, Kamala, Jerry Lawler, Road Warrior Hawk, Adam Pearce and Seth Rollins.

In addition to his wrestling career, Mike was a respected mentor and coach in the wrestling community. He served as the head trainer at Midwest Championship Wrestling School before opening his own school, The Underground, where he continued to inspire and support up-and-coming wrestlers.

Despite his success in the ring, Mike’s time in high school football and professional wrestling led to numerous traumatic brain injuries. After his passing, Mike’s brain was donated to the Concussion Legacy Foundation in Boston, founded by Chris Nowinski, a neuroscientist, former professional wrestler, and co-founder of Boston University’s CTE Center. It was Mike’s wish to contribute to this important research. 

Outside of wrestling, Mike had a variety of interests. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, lifting weights, watching action movies, listening to music, and more recently, practicing tai chi and making personalized beaded bracelets for family and friends. Just before his death, he launched an Etsy shop called Priest’s Power Beads. He also loved creating funny memes and texting them daily to his best friend, Donnie. 

With his sharp wit and magnetic personality, Mike was the life of every party and the center of every room. He had a story for every occasion and was a guest on numerous podcasts, where he shared his unique perspective. He was also in the process of writing a book about his life experiences when he passed away. 

Mike was a larger-than-life force, the kind of person who filled every room with energy, warmth, and an unmistakable presence. He had a unique way of making people feel seen — never letting anyone remain a stranger for long. Whether in the ring or in everyday life, he always looked out for the underdog, standing up for those who needed it most. More than just a wrestler, Mike was a light to the world — a man whose generosity and humor left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Above all, he was a dedicated friend, loving son, brother, and father to his son, Max, who was his greatest pride and joy. 

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Robert Boehne. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Kathy and Mike Palmer; his sisters, Beth Jim (Nelson Jim) and Dawn Domanus (Don Domanus); his 15-year-old son, Maxwell Boehne; his nieces, Marlene Mariano, Trinity Jim, and Everly Jim; his nephew, Antonio Mariano; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Max’s GoFundMe and the Concussion Legacy Foundation in Mike’s honor.

 Related Links:

Profile: Eric Priest 

GoFundMe for Maxwell Boehne

Concussion Legacy Foundation 

Boston University's CTE Center