10 Things You Didn't Know About Howard Finkel
In memory of Howard Finkel, the man who will truly be remembered as the voice of WWE.
It was announced yesterday that WWE Hall of Famer, Howard Finkel, had passed away. He was 69 years old and been suffering ill-health for the past several years, with his condition worsening after suffering a stroke in 2018.
The voice behind many memorable calls, including ‘the winner of the bout, and… NEWWW World Wrestling Federation Champion…,’ as well as the legendary announcement of ‘The UNNNDERTAKERRR,’ The Fink will be sadly missed by those who knew him, and those who heard him.
10. He Was The First Employee Of WWE
Being a native of New Jersey, part of World Wide Wrestling Federation’s territory, The Fink was initially employed by Vince McMahon Sr in 1975. After almost two years with the company, Finkel first began announcing for WWWF in Madison Square Garden in early 1977.
In 1980, Vince Jr formed Titan Sports and purchased the now-called WWF from his father in 1982. With the acquisition, Vincent Kennedy McMahon began making changes as he began formulating his place to make wrestling move out of the territories and into an international business.
Aligning himself with people with a wealth of knowledge, and the experience to help build a global presence, McMahon kept several staff members from his father’s version of the company. One of these men was Howard Finkel, and as he was still under contract at the time of his passing, this makes him the longest-serving employee in WWE history, providing forty-years of service.