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'Voice of a generation': WWE universe 'crushed' by legend's tragic death

The WWE universe pays its respects to Howard Finkel after the legendary ring announcer died on Thursday. (Getty Images)
The WWE universe pays its respects to Howard Finkel after the legendary ring announcer died on Thursday. (Getty Images)

Howard Finkel, the legendary WWE announcer who is widely considered to be the greatest in the history of the company, has died at age 69. The WWE announced his death on Thursday morning.

Finkel, known as “The Fink,” was a native of Newark, New Jersey. He started with WWE in 1977, and by 1979 he was a full-time announcer. His lengthy career and distinctive style made him an icon in the wrestling community, which the WWE recognised in its statement.

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“By 1979, Finkel was the full-time ring announcer for WWWF, and when WWE was established in 1980, The Fink became the first — and eventually longest-serving — employee,” the statement read.

Finkel’s distinctive voice was instantly recognisable, and for more than two decades Superstars such as The Ultimate Warrior, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and more would have a title victory marked by The Fink’s signature call, “and NNNEEEWWW World Champion!”

Finkel’s voice was wrestling’s soundtrack for years, but he contributed even more than that: He’s responsible for the name “WrestleMania.” He told Slam Magazine in 2014 that he pitched it to Vince McMahon in 1984, basing it off of Beatlemania.

After reducing his announcing to part-time in the early 2000s, Finkel worked behind the scenes and called pay-per-view events. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

Numerous wrestlers expressed their sadness at Finkel’s passing on social media.

The cause of Finkel’s death was not disclosed, but he’s been dealing with health issues for the past few years which have kept him out of the spotlight.

He announced WWE Hall of Fame inductees until 2017, stopping after he had a stroke in 2018. Most recently he was backstage at “Monday Night Raw” in September 2019.

With Liz Roscher - Yahoo Sport US