The bad news keeps on coming in the wrestling world as it's been revealed that WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel has passed away at the age of 69.
Considered by many wrestling fans to be the best ring announcer of all-time, this will come as a blow to those who grew up listening to him welcoming Superstars to the ring. Finkel has been dealing with a lot of different health issues in recent years, and has made limited public appearances as a result (there's nothing to suggest his death was COVID-19 related).
Finkel made his ring announcing debut at Madison Square Garden in 1977 for WWE’s predecessor, WWWF, and when WWE was established in 1980, The Fink became the first - and eventually longest-serving - employee.
Despite being a ring announcer, Finkel didn’t shy away from in-ring competition in certain circumstances. In 1995, he battled his longtime rival Harvey Wippleman in a Tuxedo Match on RAW, and later helped X-Pac shave Jeff Jarrett’s head in a Hair vs. Hair Match at SummerSlam 1998.
He also worked behind the scenes, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 4th, 2009.
Needless to say, our thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time; his legacy won't be forgotten!