WWE Hall Of Famer Howard Finkel Has Died

A sad goodbye to the best to ever do it.

Howard Finkel
WWE

In awful news, Hall of Famer and legendary ring announcer Howard Finkel has passed away.

He was 69.

Incredible at his role - the greatest to ever do it - the man affectionately known as the 'Fink' was the voice of childhood for so many. What were ostensibly announcements were delivered so perfectly that they essentially became endorsements.

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Finkel announced matches, rules, and new champions throughout the two key WWF boom periods, and even, on occasion, took part in various angles. Though never the most life-affirming of storylines, even the most inessential of material was made endearing through the sheer strength of his wholesome charm. When his onscreen role receded in the 21st century, Finkel continued to work for WWE as a dedicated, loyal and profoundly respected constant in an office capacity.

Finkel is woven into the tapestry not merely of WWE's canon, but its very soul.

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Tributes will doubtlessly flood in across all arms of the industry, but the real testament to the man is that tributes were paid to him, constantly, in his lifetime.

Every time a new champion was crowned, that champion was announced with the words "And neeeeeeeew". His wonderful intonation, linked inextricably to the zenith of a performer's career, was always imitated.

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Those words never sounded quite right, coming from anybody else's mouth.

Everybody at WhatCulture Wrestling offers condolences to Mr. Finkel's loved ones at this time.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!