WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel has died at the age of 69.
The iconic ring announcer made his debut for the WWWF in 1977 and became its first full-time ring announcer in 1979. When the WWF was established in 1980, Finkel was its first — and longest-serving — employee.
His voice was heard time and time again on WWE broadcasts and pay-per-views until the 2000s — punctuating title changes with his signature “and nnnnnnnew …”
Finkel appeared at every WrestleMania from 1985 to 2016, which was the other well-known WrestleMania streak besides that of The Undertaker. Finkel transitioned into a backstage role once he was off-camera.
There was no cause of death provided by WWE.
He was not only a voice in the ring, but he also participated in gimmick matches from time to time, none more memorable than when he faced his “rival” Harvey Wippleman in a Tuxedo Match in 1995. Finkel won the match by keeping on his bow tie and cummerbund.
Finkel was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
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