The wrestling world lost the greatest ring announcer in its history on April 16th, 2020. Howard Finkel was 69-years-old when he passed this spring. Finkel’s voice did the ring introductions for the Greatest Wrestling Match Ever between Randy Orton and Edge at Backlash last month. Edge recently spoke to WWE.com correspondents about the decision to have Finkel’s voice serve as ring announcer for the match.
“We’re going to have the old MSG microphone come down and we’re going to have Howard Finkel audio introducing Randy and I because how do you even contemplate calling this the greatest wrestling match ever unless you have Howard Finkel introducing it. That was my mindset,” Edge said.
Edge is currently on the shelf with a torn triceps suffered during the match. There is currently not timetable for his return. He spoke about when he suffered the injury recently on Booker T’s radio show.
“I did a springboard into the 2nd RKO and I went ‘ew, okay I got the cold sweats and I feel like I’m going to throw up’ that’s usually a sign. That’s where it popped.”
Howard Finkel, the most iconic ring-announcer in WWE history, has passed away. He was 69-years-old. News of Finkel’s passing was announced by WWE today.
“WWE is saddened to learn that Howard Finkel has passed away at age 69,” a WWE press release reads. “WWE extends its condolences to Finkel’s family, friends and fans.”
Finkel was first hired to work for Vince McMahon Sr. and the WWWF in 1975. He would eventually become the company’s longest-tenured employee.
Finkel was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009. Others inducted with Finkel that year included Steve Austin, Ricky Steamboat, Bill Watts, Terry & Dory Funk, the Von Erichs, and Koko B. Ware. Gene Okerlund was the one to induct “the Fink.”
Howard Finkel Passes Away At Age 69
In addition to being WWE’s top ring announcer for decades, Finkel was also an invaluable employee in the WWE offices.
Finkel was reported to have suffered a stroke last year and was in ill-health. He did appear backstage for a WWE event at Madison Square Garden later that year, however. Jerry Lawler discussed Finkel’s health on an episode of his podcast.
“I just heard not long ago that Howard is in really, really bad health,” Lawler said. “Not good at all. He may have had a stroke. I’m not sure but I just know that he’s not doing well.”
Reactions to Howard Finkel’s Passing
The wrestling world is reeling from the death of Howard Finkel. He was the voice of several generations and was a dear friend to many behind the scenes.
Howard Finkle was on Team Hogan through the good and bad times,even when I was on the outs Howard would call on a consistent basis to tell me to always keep my head up,it was” never say never” and “you and Vince will work it out”,my good friend RIP,I love you 4LifeHH
Loss of any kind is not easy. We feel some, if not all difficult emotions. Feel them, face them, don’t lock them up, but do so with a brave sense of accountability. All of us are tested now more than ever. Stay in touch and in tune with you, try to find lessons in any hardship.
In what has already been a tough week for our @WWE family, today we lost our 1st ever employee and WWE Hall of Famer, @howardfinkel. Howard’s voice is iconic & recognized by generations of fans. He will be missed. #RIPHowardFinkel Thank you for everything. ?????
Rest in Peace Howard Finkel. Greatest ring announcer of all time. Historian and walking wrestling encyclopedia. Hall of Famer. Loyal. Great friend. Love you Fink. pic.twitter.com/tqvVq6gMeR
Howard was the best. It’s that simple. I’ll never forget the last few times I saw him…the excitement he still had for the industry, the genuine concern he showed when asking about how my family was doing despite his own declining health…
Fink was not only an indelible part of my childhood but he couldn’t have been sweeter to me any time I saw him backstage. I’m grateful to have known him.
Howard Finkel was a great friend and mentor to me. I was so blessed to be able to look to him for guidance, honesty and the occasional bit of humor. He spoke with kindness, and always had a sparkle in his eye when speaking about our industry. Thank you for everything Howard. ?
You weren’t someone until you heard Howard announce you. A championship win didn’t feel real until you heard him say “and the new!” His voice, his personality, and his positivity will be sorely missed. Thank you for everything…especially your friendship. https://t.co/CYSPt6vnvU
This week’s episode of Monday Night Raw featured Stone Cold
Steve Austin who was at the show to moderate the contract signing between Seth
Rollins and Braun Strowman for their upcoming Universal Championship match.
Though he wasn’t the only Hall Of Famer present for the episode and former WWE ring announcer and 2009 Class Hall Of Famer Howard Finkel was also backstage for the show.
Curt Hawkins posted a photo from backstage which features Finkel in a wheelchair and includes other WWE superstars such Dolph Ziggler and Cesaro as seen below:
This week’s episode of Raw saw Baron Corbin picking up the win in the triple threat match against Ricochet and Samoa Joe to advance into the King Of Ring finals.
After the show went off air, the former NXT Star was
interviewed backstage where he was asked if it was bad luck to put the crown on
his head after the win.
Replying to it, Corbin claimed that luck is for losers. He mentioned how he had put the crown on after his win over the Miz too and claimed that he will beat whoever makes it into the finals from SmackDown’s side:
Legendary WWE ring announcer is said to be in failing health, according to Jerry “The King” Lawler. On the latest episode of his Dinner with the King podcast, Lawler said he believes Finkel may have suffered a stroke and is not doing well.
“I just heard not long ago that Howard is in really, really bad health,” Lawler said. “Not good at all. He may have had a stroke. I’m not sure but I just know that he’s not doing well.”
You can hear the full episode of Dinner With The King Below.
Howard Finkel
For millions of wrestling fans around the world, Howard Finkel and his distinctive voice will always be synonymous with WWE. Finkel began working for Vince McMahon Sr.’s World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) in 1975. He continued with the company when it was taken over by Vince Jr, making him the company’s longest tenured employee.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009, Finkel had been working a lighter schedule since 2000, with the additions of Lilian Garcia and Tony Chimel to Raw and SmackDown, respectively. He still announced for some of the WWF/E’s major pay-per-view events, and recent had taken a role at WWE.com.
Tammy “Sunny” Sytch is not happy with being mocked on The Edge and Christian Show. WWE’s parody ad for Sunny’s Miracle Drops mocked her Erratic Behavior, “Cake Fancer” and DUI’s.
Sytch has had her share of brushes with the law. Back in 2012, she was arrested five times within the span of four weeks; for disorderly conduct, third degree burglary, and three counts of violating a protective order. She was arrested a sixth time in January 2013, also for violating a protective order. She served 114 days in jail and was released in May 2013.
The Original Diva fired back with this rant aimed at Edge and Christian:
those who matter in the WWE office called to check on me in the hospital a couple weeks ago. Edge and Christian are just douchebags #ugly1s
The official WWE website has a new article up where WWE Hall Of Famer Howard Finkel and ECW Original Joey Styles offer their predictions for tonight’s WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view.
Below are the predictions “The Fink” offered for the Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt and Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar matches.
On Reigns vs. Wyatt: “Their differences are varied by nature, but their goals are similar in scope: To do a number on their opponent. With no Wyatt Family members running interference, the advantage should favor Reigns. But I look for Wyatt to turn it up a few notches and score the victory! WINNER: Bray Wyatt”
On Undertaker vs. Lesnar: “There is no love lost between these two iconic figures. When the dust settles, Brock Lesnar will come out the victor, in what should be a match for the ages! WINNER: Brock Lesnar”
Check out more predictions from “The Fink,” as well as Joey Styles, by reading the full article at WWE.com.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Howard Finkel confirmed on Thursday that he will be included in the new WWE 2K16 video game, particularly in the Showcase Mode. This is the same mode that features fellow WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross.
– Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts will be the guest on Jim Ross’ “Ross Report” podcast on Tuesday, September 8th at PodcastOne.com.
– The following are some Total Divas preview clips featuring Paige’s boyfriend writing a song for her, as well as The Bella Twins meeting their friends for dinner in New York City.
– WWE Network has a one-hour Money In The Bank “Kickoff Show” scheduled to begin at 7pm EST. next Sunday night. The “Kickoff Show” panel will consist of Renee Young, Byron Saxton, Corey Graves and Booker T.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley is celebrating a milestone birthday today, as the Hardcore Legend turns 50 years old. Foley was born on June 7, 1965. Also celebrating birthdays today are Howard Finkel (65) and former TNA Knockout Taeler Hendrix (26).
– WWE recently posted the following video of Superstars and Divas playing with puppies.
– WWE has published a video taking fans inside the “top-secret” WWE Warehouse.
“In the premiere episode of WWE Warehouse, Ben Brown shares one of the oldest artifacts from WrestleMania. Plus, find out just how the WWE Superstars stayed warm outside at WrestleMania 29.”
– According to the WWE Network programming schedule, this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony will run for 2 1/2 hours from 9pm until 11:30pm. The show will be archived on the Network and there was also be replays on the 24/7 live stream.
– Mr. T was live-tweeting during last night’s RAW, talking about how excited he is and almost being done writing his speech. Hulk Hogan is rumored to induct his WrestleMania 1 tag team partner.
– Jake Roberts noted in a a recent interview that he will not have a written speech for the WWE Hall of Fame and plans to “speak from the heart” when he’s on stage.
– One WWE Hall of Famer who will not be in attendance at the Hall of Fame ceremony is legendary ring announcer Howard Finkel. The Fink is booked for a WWE AXXESS signing from 8-10pm.
– A new episode of WWE’s “30 Years of WrestleMania” podcast, which features Renee Young interviewing Howard Finkel, has been added online. The official preview for the show reads as follows:
WWE: Ep. 8 – Howard Finkel Get the lowdown on WrestleMania from the only person to have appeared at every single edition, WWE Hall of Fame announcer Howard Finkel. “The Fink,” as he’s affectionately known, details what it was like to be in WWE when The Grandest Stage of Them All was just getting off the ground, as well as reflects on this year’s WWE Hall of Fame inductees and offers his predictions for WrestleMania 30.
You can download the podcast right now at PodcastOne.com.
– The following is a preview clip for this Sunday’s edition of Total Divas:
– Speaking of Old School RAW, WWE is promoting a pre-show Twitter chat with WWE Hall Of Famer Howard Finkel. The following was posted on the official WWE Twitter account:
-WWE Diva and Total Divas reality star Nikki Bella recently updated fans on the status of her physical therapy in a new tweet posted on her official Twitter account. Nikki wrote:
“Gettin’ my grind on at Physical Therapy. Gettin’ stronger everyday. Nothin’ will b able 2 stop #TwinMagic soon! N”
-WWE Superstar and executive Triple H recently posted a tweet on his official Twitter account addressing tonight’s WWE NXT tapings at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. HHH wrote:
“Headed to the @WWEPerformCtr and @FullSail for @WWENXT Tapings tonight. Always love seeing the future unfold….TONS of talent #brightfuture”
-The following are some more Twitter reactions to the news regarding Jim Ross:
Howard Finkel: “I wish nothing but the very best to @JRsBBQ. I’ve truly enjoyed my professional and personal association with him through the years!”
MVP: “@JRsBBQ Good luck JR. It was a pleasure to listen to you. It was an honor to have worked with you. Be well.”
Vickie Guerrero: “@JRsBBQ thank you JR for your friendship! It was an honor to work with you. I wish you the best in your career filled with blessings.”
Beth Phoenix: “Thank u @JRsBBQ for doing me the honor of calling my matches & sharing ur wisdom. I was truly one of the lucky ones to b able to work w/ u!!”
Lance Storm: “@JRsBBQ is the greatest announcer to ever call a match IMO. He’s made more matches better than any wrestler ever has.”
-WWE Superstar John Cena recently tweeted his tribute to those effected by the tragedies of 9/11, arguably the worst day in United States history, which took place 12 years ago today. Cena wrote:
On this day, loved ones were lost, heroes were found, and an entire nation filled with mourning and courage stood united. 9/11 #neverforget
-WWE Superstar Zack Ryder tweeted this one:
Never forget…
-WWE Superstar David Otunga tweeted:
It’s been 12 years since the WTC tragedy. R.I.P. to all those who lost their lives in the towers and valiantly trying to save others.
-WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross tweeted:
This date September 11 will always have a special place in my heart. Thoughts & prayers go out to all affected by the tragedy of 911.
-WWE Hall Of Famer Howard Finkel tweeted:
I stop to remember and reflect on the events of 12 yrs ago on this date. We’ll never forget those victims, and continue to stand strong!
-WWE personality Zeb Colter tweeted:
Today is 9/11. Please remember those we lost 12 years ago. Sad day for all Americans…#WeThePeople
-WWE Hall Of Famer Howard Finkel will be providing live commentary and hosting a live chat for “Total Divas” on WWE.com every Sunday night from 9:45pm E.T. until 11:15pm E.T.
-WWE Superstar Hornswoggle recently noted on his official Twitter page that he has completed filming the new WWE Studios movie project, “Leprechaun.” Hornswoggle wrote:
“Well that’s a wrap! Thank you to @WWEStudios @WWE and EVERYONE that worked on Leprechaun: Origins! I can’t wait for@you guys to see it!!!”
-WWE Superstar The Rock was recently asked by a wrestling fan on Twitter if Ted Turner and WCW ever attempted to lure him away from WWE during the heated “Monday Night Wars” in the 1990s. Rock replied to the fan with the following comment:
“Yup in the beginning. Offered 2xs my WWE salary. No thank you. My goal was to ‘move the crowd’ first. Money would come later.”
– “Backstage Fallout” for Monday’s Raw is now online. Here is the synopsis: “Aksana tells the WWE Universe why she went after Kaitlyn at Night of Champions and later at Survivor Series. Plus, see how The Prime Time Players are recovering after being double-teamed. Check out these interviews only in the Raw edition of “Backstage Fallout.”
— WWE NXT wrestler Corey Graves (formerly known as Sterling James Keenan on the independent wrestling circuit) issued the following warning on Twitter following Survivor Series: “My turn.”
– WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel lent his vocal talents to the Strike 3 Foundation’s First Pitch Gala, serving as emcee at the fundraiser for pediatric cancer research. The official WWE website has posted photos from the event.
– Dragon Gate USA star Sami Callihan wrestled a dark match prior last night’s WWE television tapings from Providence. Accordign to F4Wonline.com, WWE officials were impressed with his in-ring work and some promo work he did backstage for WWE producers, but there is concern about his size.
– Jim Ross noted on Twitter that he filmed 2 hours of footage on Tuesday morning for WWE’s upcoming DVD set on Mick Foley..
– Here’s another exclusive Arda Ocal video interview from this past weekend’s Legends of the Ring convention. This one features legendary WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel:
Howard talks about working with Tony Schiavone 20+ years ago, his continued love for in-ring announcing today, and what he thinks of the current crop of announcers. He also lists his favourite wrestlers to introduce during his career and is reunited with the old Madison Square Garden hanging double-microphone to deliver one last special announcement.
— Live Audio Wrestling says Survivor Series is expected to take place on Sunday, November 18 at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
— Mick Foley has been announced to appear on WWE’s “Old School” themed live SmackDown episode on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. on Syfy. Other legends appearing include Dusty Rhodes, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Hillbilly Jim, Howard Finkel, Jimmy Hart, Mean Gene Okerlund, Pat Patterson, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Sgt. Slaughter, “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and Tony Atlas.
Foley said of the appearance Friday on Twitter, “I WILL be on Super Smackdown, where Hacksaw Jim Duggan and I will prove, once and for all, that we are not the same person.”
Piper added, “I’m also going to do Smackdown on Tuesday!! I think it’s time to step up to the plate!”
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s WWE.com profile is now listed among both Raw Superstars and WWE Alumni.
Numerous WWE Superstars offered their take on tonight’s WrestleMania XXVIII pay-per-view event through Twitter.
Epico: “There it is! I walked in to #wrestlemania as tag team champion and I leave as tag team champion!!!”
Howard Finkel: “Another W’Mania in the books! Kudos 2 R superstars 4 their efforts, and kudos to all of u who watched 2nite! And for me: 28 in a row! YES!!!”
Joey Styles: “Congratulations to @TheRock for winning his “Once in a Lifetime” #WrestleMania match with @JohnCena. 78,000 people exploded in Miami.”
Michael McGillicutty: “I’m done sitting on the sidelines! I need to be involved with #WrestleMania. Let’s do this! #EndofanEra”
Natalya: “Well @TheRock has nice taste In submissions! #sharpshooter #WrestleMania”
Randy Orton: “Gonna be hard to top HHH/Taker……#WrestleMania28”
Santino Marella: “Rock just beat cena, I’m speechless for once in my life”
Vickie Guerrero: “Wrestlemania was incredible!!! Everyone worked hard and gave their heart! Thank you fellow superstars, production, and crew!!!”
Zack Ryder: “@EveMarieTorres ruined my #WrestleMania moment. I got a low blowski from a hoeski.”
WWE officials held a state of the business meeting this week in Miami, Florida and it was disclosed to Variety that the organization has plans to launch a one-hour weekly television show on a yet to be announced United States television station. WWE will also produce an hour-long Spanish-language program. Details on both shows were not issued. Additional news from the meeting are as follows:
* WWE announced the following series for the forthcoming WWE Network: WWE Divas Tour Bus, WrestleMania Rewind, The Monday Night War: Raw vs Nitro and WWE Countdown.
* The official cast list for the WWE Network program WWE Legends’ House is “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Hillbilly Jim, Howard Finkel, Jimmy Hart, Mean Gene Okerlund, Pat Patterson, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Tony Atlas.
* WWE would not reveal business plans for the WWE Network nor the potential launch date. “We continue to evaluate the best approach,” said Michelle Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer of WWE.
— Layla made her return to in-ring competition at a non-televised Florida Championship Wrestling event on Thursday night. Alongside babyface Audrey Marie, they defeated Paige and Sofia Cortez.
The final WWE Women’s Champion has been sidelined since May due to tears of both her Anterior cruciate and Medial collateral ligaments, which required surgery. She underwent rehabilitation in the meantime.
— WWE Hall of Famer Sunny posted a message on Facebook remembering the late Chris Candido, who would have turned 40 years old on Wednesday. She wrote of her former boyfriend with the following image, “I miss you honey…xoxo.” After several people posted photos and messages remembering Candido on her Facebook wall, she wrote, “ok, enough sadness about CC….lets move on to happier things…Heaven isn’t too far away…closer to it every day….”
Candido died on April 28, 2005 due to a blood clot, a complication from leg surgery three days earlier.
— WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel will appear at WrestleReunion 8 taking place April 13-15 at Doubletree Toronto Airport 655 Dixon Rd. Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
— “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Jimmy Snuka and Sgt. Slaughter were on the original cast list for WWE Legends’ House, a reality show premiering in 2012 on the WWE Network that will put eight to ten ‘Legends’ under one roof. Production for the show will begin soon in California.
“Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mean” Gene Okerlund are confirmed for the show. Stephanie McMahon was quoted as saying in Entertainment Weekly that Dusty Rhodes and Iron Sheik would be on it as well.
— During the Friday morning edition of ESPN’s SportsCenter, Robert Flores mentioned the nWo while conducting highlights of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat game. The Heat donned all-black uniforms, which Flores described as “Miami rocking the nWo uniforms, the black and white. For Life.”
— Legendary ring announcer Howard Finkel stated on Twitter that former WWE Superstar Pete Gas has joined the micro-blogging website. His account is located at twitter.com/iampetegas.
– WWE Hall of Fame ring announcer Howard Finkel announced that yesterday marked 35 yaers since becoming a ring announcer. Congratulations to the Fink, who, for our money, is the best ring announcer of all time.
– The Memorial Day edition of WWE RAW Supershow (5/28) will take place at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, LA. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
– WWE Hall of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase turns 58 years old today (Wednesday).
– WWE has released a new promo video hyping the upcoming WWE Network, including “Countdown” and more:
