Episode Details

Episode 7 dives into three powerful figures who shaped thePacific Northwest’s wrestling identity across multiple eras — the veterans, the world-travelers, and the raw-boned brawlers who helped define Portland Wrestling’s heart and soul.

Host Frank Culbertson spotlights:

🥋 Haru Sasaki — one of the longest-tenured wrestlers in Portland history. Sneaky, expressive, and beloved as a heel, Haru wrestled an estimated 5,000 matches for Don Owenand held multiple tag titles alongside legends like King Curtis and Mr. Fuji.

🌎 John Quinn — a rugged powerhouse who battled Bruno Sammartino, dominated Vancouver, toured Europe as a top villain, and always made an impression when he passed through Portland to wrestle names like Lonnie Mayne, Dean Higuchi, and Ed Francis.

🤠 Sam Oliver Bass — the big, raw-boned brawler whose name was changed so fans could chant “S.O.B!” Bass rose fast, beating Jimmy Snuka for the Northwest Heavyweight Title and delivering intense main events before moving on to national success.

These men weren’t megastars — but they were the fanfavorites and fierce rivals who defined an era in the Northwest.

Based on The Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers by historian Mike Rodgers, available now on Amazon.
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