WWE has announced the passing of their legendary ring announcer Howard Finkel at the age 69. He made his ring announcing debut at Madison Square Garden in 1977 for WWE’s predecessor, WWWF.
The Fink became the first — and eventually longest-serving — employee as the WWWF changed to WWF and eventually WWE. The Fink was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009.
No one made a moment quite like The Fink 🐐
AND NEWWWWWWWWW pic.twitter.com/SJTc1K1xdz
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) 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
“The Fink” was there for some of the biggest events in history including the very first WrestleMania. He announced the arrival of everyone from Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels. The way his voice boomed as he announced another attendance record or welcomed a sold-out Madison Square Garden or a new champion, Finkel became an important fixture at events
You weren’t someone until you heard Howard announce you. A championship win didn’t feel real until you heard him say “and the new!” His voice, his personality, and his positivity will be sorely missed. Thank you for everything…especially your friendship. https://t.co/CYSPt6vnvU
— Triple H (@TripleH) 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
What a moment. #RIPHowardFinkel pic.twitter.com/1FvsDp4oLE
— Joe Mathew™ (@JoeMathew5) April 16, 2020
Howard Finkel was truly "The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be."🙏#RIPHowardFinkel pic.twitter.com/FGFurekomS
— Will Mahoney (@HeelWillMahoney) April 16, 2020
