Howard Finkel, legendary ring announcer, has died at the age of 69, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announced on Thursday.
The WWE, however, did not state the cause of his death in the statement announcing his passing on.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel has passed away at age 69. https://t.co/tqmD68ZsQp
— WWE (@WWE) April 16, 2020
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The legendary Hall of Fame ring announcer, better known as “The Fink,” made his debut at Madison Square Garden in 1977 when WWE was known as WWWF. He became a full-time announcer in 1979.
“The Fink,” a Newark native became the WWE’s longest-tenured employee, serving as the full-time ring announcer for more than two decades, before being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
“WWE is saddened to learn that Howard Finkel has passed away at age 69,” the statement read in part.
“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.
“WWE extends its condolences to Finkel’s family, friends and fans.”
Tributes have continued to pour in for the iconic ring announcer as word of his death spread.
We lost one of the greatest ring announcers of all time, Howard Finkel. Howard was the man who came up with the name “WrestleMania” and he was one of the most beloved people in @WWE. Howard ring announced my dad’s very first match at @TheGarden. We love you, Howard. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8TdmTvZQph
— NattieByNature (@NatbyNature) April 16, 2020
When I first got to WWE, I couldn’t wait to hear Howard Finkel announce my name. He’s without a doubt the greatest ring announcer of all time. #RIPFink
Advertisement— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) April 16, 2020
So sad to hear that Howard Finkel has passed👉🏻Howard & I became friends when I started with the WWWF in 1979. Howard AKA: The “Fink” loved Wrestling & was the Encyclopedia of our Business👉🏻Howard had a “Yuge” Passion❤️for the @NYMBaseball⚾️& the @nyjets🏈#RIP🙏🏻My Friend
— SGT SLAUGHTER (@_SgtSlaughter) April 16, 2020
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Today we lost the greatest ring announcer in history-period. Howard Finkel made any event he was a part of better-either in front of or behind the camera. Here’s a pic from 98’ SummerSlam where I lost my hair to @realxpac and weeks earlier I had shaved Fink’s! RIP Fink-love ya! pic.twitter.com/BqELOsPkwu
— Jeff Jarrett (@RealJeffJarrett) April 16, 2020
I thought I was out of tears but I was wrong. The news just keeps getting worse. I just heard about the passing of a wonderful human being & one of the GREATEST RING ANNOUNCERS EVER @howardfinkel. I am going to miss that undeniable voice and his wonderful wit. #RIPHowardFinkel pic.twitter.com/59IE3eyoci
— Charles Robinson (@WWERobinson) 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
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 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
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
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