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2009 WWE Hall of Fame inductee and longtime ring announcer Howard Finkel has passed away at the age of 69.
The following comes from WWE.com:
WWE is saddened to learn that Howard Finkel has passed away at age 69.
When considering the greatest ring announcers in the history of sports and sports-entertainment, youād be hard-pressed to name one better than Howard Finkel. A native of Newark, NJ, āThe Finkā ā a label that had been attached affectionately to Howard over the years ā made his ring announcing debut at Madison Square Garden in 1977 for WWEās predecessor, WWWF.
By 1979, Finkel was the full-time ring announcer for WWWF, and when WWE was established in 1980, The Fink became the first ā and eventually longest-serving ā employee. Finkelās distinctive voice was instantly recognizable, and for more than two decades Superstars such as The Ultimate Warrior, āStone Coldā Steve Austin and more would have a title victory marked by The Finkās signature call, āand NNNEEEWWW World Champion!ā
Despite being a ring announcer, Finkel didnāt 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 Jarrettās head in a Hair vs. Hair Match at SummerSlam 1998.
In addition to his legendary tenure as a ring announcer, The Fink was an indispensable resource inside the WWE offices for his vast knowledge of sports-entertainment history. Well respected by current Superstars, WWE Legends and Hall of Famers, Finkelās encyclopedic memory and kindness made him beloved among his colleagues. The Fink was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009.
WWE extends its condolences to Finkelās family, friends and fans.
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