Howard Finkel, WWE Hall of Fame announcer, dies at 69
Howard Finkel, the legendary WWE announcer who is widely considered to be the greatest in the history of the company, has died at age 69. The WWE announced his death on Thursday morning.
Finkel, known as “The Fink,” was a native of Newark, New Jersey. He started with WWE in 1977, and by 1979 he was a full-time announcer. His lengthy career and distinctive style made him an icon in the wrestling community, which the WWE recognized in its statement.
By 1979, Finkel was the full-time ring announcer for WWWF, and when WWE was established in 1980, The Fink became the first — and eventually longest-serving — employee. Finkel’s distinctive voice was instantly recognizable, and for more than two decades Superstars such as The Ultimate Warrior, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and more would have a title victory marked by The Fink’s signature call, “and NNNEEEWWW World Champion!”
Finkel’s voice was wrestling’s soundtrack for years, but he contributed even more than that: He’s responsible for the name “WrestleMania.” He told Slam Magazine in 2014 that he pitched it to Vince McMahon in 1984, basing it off of Beatlemania.
After reducing his announcing to part-time in the early 2000s, Finkel worked behind the scenes and called pay-per-view events. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
Numerous wrestlers expressed their sadness at Finkel’s passing on social media.
HE PUT ME OVER. HE MAKE ME LOOK LIKE THE LEGEND. HE MAKE ME SMILE. FOREVER I LOVE YOU HOWARD FINKEL pic.twitter.com/cY8tTHDqds
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) April 16, 2020
HOWARD FINKEL I LOVE YOU FOREVER #RIPFink pic.twitter.com/ZFszP8xfMO
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) April 16, 2020
Howard Finkle was on Team Hogan through the good and bad times,even when I was on the outs Howard would call on a consistent basis to tell me to always keep my head up,it was” never say never” and “you and Vince will work it out”,my good friend RIP,I love you 4LifeHH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) April 16, 2020
Im crushed
I lost my friend today
I saw him once a month
The Voice of Wrestling
I loved him so much
The Fink pic.twitter.com/EOWmADTkjO— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) April 16, 2020
In what has already been a tough week for our @WWE family, today we lost our 1st ever employee and WWE Hall of Famer, @howardfinkel. Howard’s voice is iconic & recognized by generations of fans. He will be missed. #RIPHowardFinkel Thank you for everything. ❤️🙏❤️
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) April 16, 2020
Howard was the best. It’s that simple. I’ll never forget the last few times I saw him...the excitement he still had for the industry, the genuine concern he showed when asking about how my family was doing despite his own declining health...
I’m so grateful I got to know him. https://t.co/sALmt2Ihb6— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) April 16, 2020
Howard Finkel was a great friend and mentor to me. I was so blessed to be able to look to him for guidance, honesty and the occasional bit of humor. He spoke with kindness, and always had a sparkle in his eye when speaking about our industry. Thank you for everything Howard. 💛
— The Brandalorian (@TheBrandiRhodes) April 16, 2020
The first great ring announcer is gone. RIP @wwe Hall of Famer Howard Finkel. pic.twitter.com/jvkGDDVh4u
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) April 16, 2020
Howard Finkel was a staple of my childhood. The voice we all grew up with. I first met Howard backstage at WrestleMania 33. I walked up and as I said "Hello, sir" and went to introduce myself, he burst out "HELLO, JOHNNY!" I couldn't believe he knew MY name! #RIPFink
— Johnny Gargano (@JohnnyGargano) April 16, 2020
The cause of Finkel’s death was not disclosed, but he’s been dealing with health issues for the past few years which have kept him out of the spotlight. He announced WWE Hall of Fame inductees until 2017, stopping after he had a stroke in 2018. Most recently he was backstage at “Monday Night Raw” in September 2019.
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