Known affectionately as "The Fink," legendary WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel has died at age 69. Finkel, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009, announced some of the most memorable moments in the history of professional wrestling.
WWE shared Finkel's passing on Thursday, though a cause of death was not revealed. Finkel, the first and longest-serving employee in WWE history after the company was officially established in 1980, had seen his health decline rapidly in recent years and was confined to a wheelchair in 2019 after suffering a stroke.
Recommended Videos
Finkel made his ring announcing debut for WWE's predecessor, the WWWF, in 1977 inside New York's Madison Square Garden. He was originally hired by WWWF owner Vince McMahon Sr. in 1975, and his career with the companies as announcer, historian and backstage employee spanned nearly a half decade.
Finkel's signature call of "AND NEWWWWW" before announcing a championship had switched hands to the crowd in attendance at an event went on to be adopted into the combat sports lexicon. Credited for coming up with the name "WrestleMania" for the WWE's annual super show that began in 1985, Finkel served as announcer for nearly each one until he adopted a lighter schedule in the early 2000s. He attended every WrestleMania from 1985-2016.
Saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and WWE’s first employee, WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel. The grandest moments in sports-entertainment history were made all the grander thanks to Howard’s iconic voice. pic.twitter.com/aAMY2XaHsm
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) 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
Along with introducing the Hall of Fame inductees each year at WrestleMania, Finkel continued to lend his voice to many shows on the WWE Network, along with occasional guest appearances on Raw, SmackDown and pay-per-view events. He also became an on-screen character for the company at various points throughout his tenure, though never an extended period of time.
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
Fink was not only an indelible part of my childhood but he couldn’t have been sweeter to me any time I saw him backstage. I’m grateful to have known him.
— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) April 16, 2020
Finkel took part in a pair of memorable in-ring storylines, which included a tuxedo match against manager Harvey Wippleman on Raw in 1995 and an evening gown/tuxedo match against then-ring announcer Lillian Garcia in 2009. Finkel memorably helped X-Pac shave Jeff Jarrett's head following their 1998 hair vs. hair match at SummerSlam, and he served as a special guest ring announcer for CM Punk in 2011 ahead of a WWE championship match against Alberto del Rio.
This story was originally published by CBS Sports on April 16, 2020.
RELATED CONTENT:
Hank Steinbrenner, New York Yankees Co-Owner and George Steinbrenner's Son, Dies at 63
Tom Dempsey, Saints Legendary Kicker, Dies at 73 From Coronavirus Complications
Hal Willner, Longtime 'SNL' Music Producer, Dies at 64 From Coronavirus Complications