Legendary wrestling announcer and WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel has passed away, WWE announced today. Finkel was 69.
Finkel joined WWE, then Vince McMahon Sr.’s World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), in 1975, and had worked for the company in some capacity until his death in 2020. He was the longest tenured employee in WWE history. He is also often credited with coining the name “WrestleMania”.
“The Fink” began ring announcing in 1977, and quickly became synonymous with big fights at Madison Square Garden. He remained in that role for 30 years, becoming an iconic voice of the Attitude Era. In 2006, he began announcing less and took on other roles backstage in WWE, but he would still announce on special occasions — at Survivor Series 2011, he was introduced as CM Punk’s “personal ring announcer” in his bout against Alberto Del Rio.
The entire AIPT family extends its condolences to Howard Finkel’s family, friends and fans.
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