Don Owen

Don Owen (March 16 1912 – August 1 2002) was an American professional wrestling promoter. For several decades, he owned and operated the highly successful Pacific Northwest Wrestling (PNW) under his parent company, Don Owen Sports, which was based out of Portland, Oregon.

Boxing Career

Owen worked for his father, boxing/wrestling promoter Herb Owen as early as the 1920s, occasionally stepping through the ropes. Owen appears to have fought his younger brother Elton Owen, on November 10, 1925 in Eugene.

In 1936, Owen teamed up with Stub Nelson, and promoted boxing shows in Portland. Their notable promotions were:

• Henry Armstrong vs. Elmer (Buzz) Brown
• Mike Belloise vs. Al Spina
• King Levinsky vs. Leo Lomski

Nelson eventually left the partnership, and Owen promoted by himself in early 1937. He didn't have much successs however using up and coming boxers from California in his main events, and quit after a few shows.

Wrestling Career

Owen is most famous as the highly respected, long time promoter of the NWA (Northwest Wrestling Association). Owen, succeded his father Herb Owen in the family wrestling promotion, after his death in 1951, and would continue to promote wrestling in the Northwest until 1991. Among the many famous wrestlers developed by Owen, were Gorgeous George, Jesse Ventura and Roddy Piper.

Article about Owen's career as a wrestling promoter: [1]