This is the first this day in wrestling history article I’ve done that’s current day, but it’s fitting as we lost one of the greatest ring announcers. The WWE reported (https://www.wwe.com/article/howard-finkel-passes-away) Howard Finkel, the voice a couple of generations knew and loved has passed away at 69 years old on April 16, 2020.
Howard Finkel was literally my introduction to professional wrestling at WrestleMania 1, and he quickly became one of my favorite things about the WWE (WWF at the time) and he helped make it a memorable part of my childhood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4o8Dr2GlE4
The Fink
After making his WWWF ring announcing debut at Madison Square Garden in 1977, Finkel’s one of a kind voice drew us in perfectly and seemingly without trying. He sounded like a storyteller asking us to gather around the fire, and we did as requested.
It was the beginning of an ear we took for granted at seeing and hearing him so often, but we appreciated him every step of the way.
There was something special about how he’s announce a title change with, “And NEEEEEEW World Wrestling Federation Champion…”
Not only was he the first employee Vince McMahon hired, but he became the longest-serving employee with the WWE, and even found his way into performing in the ring against long term rival Harvey Wippleman in a Tuxedo Match on Raw in 1995, and aided X-Pac in shaving Jeff Jarret’s head in a Hair versus Hair match at SummerSlam ’98.
Legacy
When we talk about great sports entertainment and sports ring announcers of the 1990s, it often comes down to the Fink (his affectionate nickname), Lillian Garcia, and Michael Buffer. Each of them brought something different to their jobs and made themselves memorable for so many.
Another aspect he reportedly brought to the table was his knowledge of professional wrestling facts and history. It made him a fountain of knowledge for anyone interested in knowing something about anything. While that seems to be a standard for many sportscasters, it’s not something we’d expect in a ring announcer whose job seemed limited to introductions and so forth.
It’s just an added bonus to a man that was beloved by those that knew him. Always kind and generous, he was a pleasure for fans to meet and chat with throughout his career.
He achieved the ultimate goal after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009.
It’s always a shame when we lose a memorable part of our lives, but it’s just as great to look back at the fond memories they leave us with on this day in wrestling history.
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