BREAKING: Howard Finkel Passes Away At Age 69

We have some sad news to report this morning, as WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel has passed away at the age of 69. Finkel was recognized by many as the most legendary ring announcer in the history of professional wrestling.

Check out The Fink’s debut back in 1977:

From WWE.com:

When considering the greatest ring announcers in the history of sports and sports-entertainment, you’d be hard-pressed to name one better than Howard Finkel. A native of Newark, NJ, “The Fink” — a label that had been attached affectionately to Howard over the years — made his ring announcing debut at Madison Square Garden in 1977 for WWE’s predecessor, WWWF.

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!” 

Despite being a ring announcer, Finkel didn’t shy away from in-ring competition in certain circumstances. In 1995, he battled his longtime rival Harvey Wippleman in a Tuxedo Match on Raw, and later helped X-Pac shave Jeff Jarrett’s head in a Hair vs. Hair Match at SummerSlam 1998.

In addition to his legendary tenure as a ring announcer, The Fink was an indispensable resource inside the WWE offices for his vast knowledge of sports-entertainment history. Well respected by current Superstars, WWE Legends and Hall of Famers, Finkel’s encyclopedic memory and kindness made him beloved among his colleagues. The Fink was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009.

We at Wrestling Rumors extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire Finkel family during this difficult time.

Editor’s Opinion:

Whenever I go back and watch iconic matches from my childhood, this voice always brings me back to those days. You can’t think of old school professional wrestling without The Fink, and he will certainly be missed by everyone who is a wrestling fan.

What are some of your favorite memories of Howard Finkel? Leave us a comment below, or post a comment on our Facebook page! Also, be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

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