Don Owen (wrestling)
Don Owen (1909 – 1983) was a professional wrestling promoter based in Portland, Oregon. He was the owner and operator of Pacific Northwest Wrestling (PNW), also known as Portland Wrestling, from the 1930s until his death.
Owen took over the promotion from his father, Herb Owen, and established it as one of the premier wrestling territories in North America. He was known for his shrewd business acumen and his ability to identify and develop talent. PNW was a stepping stone for many wrestlers who went on to achieve national and international fame.
Owen was a staunch traditionalist, emphasizing strong storytelling and in-ring action. His promotion featured a mix of local talent and established stars, and it consistently drew large crowds to the Portland Sports Arena. Some of the notable wrestlers who competed for PNW under Owen's leadership include Dutch Savage, Stan Stasiak, Roddy Piper, Billy Jack Haynes, and Jimmy Snuka.
Owen was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996. His legacy continues to be recognized for his significant contributions to the wrestling industry.