Howard Finkel, a true icon in the wrestling world, passed away on April 16, 2020, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades. Known as the first employee signed by Titan Sports (later WWE), Finkel’s contributions went far beyond ring announcing. From ringing the bell to early website development, he was a cornerstone in the growth of professional wrestling. He even coined the name WrestleMania when Vince McMahon was still considering alternatives—cementing his influence on the very foundation of the WWF.
The Soundtrack of Wrestling History
For fans who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, Howard Finkel was more than an announcer—he was the soundtrack to their wrestling memories. His voice amplified the drama of match outcomes, ensuring clarity in even the most chaotic finishes. At the 1988 Royal Rumble, his authoritative call cleared confusion in the Ric Rude vs. Ricky Steamboat and Hercules vs. Ultimate Warrior matches, transforming uncertainty into excitement.
Elevating Legendary Moments
The greatest wrestlers of the era felt the gravity of Finkel’s role. Roddy Piper’s proud smile at Royal Rumble 1992, Hulk Hogan’s stunned fall to his knees at WrestleMania VI, and Randy Savage’s triumphant return as champion at WrestleMania VIII were all moments immortalised by his delivery. The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania, Chris Benoit’s emotional World Heavyweight Championship victory at WrestleMania XX, and Owen Hart’s own celebrated milestones were all elevated by the precision of his announcements. Finkel’s trademark voice gave each result a sense of permanence and history.
Recognising the Greats of Wrestling
From Harley Race, one of wrestling’s toughest champions, to Ricky Steamboat, widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted wrestlers of all time, Howard Finkel provided the soundtrack to their biggest WWF moments. His booming delivery gave the Wild Samoans’ dominance extra weight, made Stone Cold Steve Austin’s rise feel inevitable, and underscored the chaos of the Attitude Era. When Austin became WWE Champion at WrestleMania XIV, Finkel’s declaration made it clear: a new era had begun.
Comparing Howard Finkel and Michael Buffer
While WCW brought in Michael Buffer during the Monday Night Wars, his showbiz flair never matched Howard Finkel’s authenticity. Buffer’s background in boxing made him a larger-than-life presence, but his missteps with wrestling-specific nuances—sometimes even mispronunciations—highlighted the difference. Finkel’s precision, passion, and catchphrase “And neeeewww” added a finality that was woven deeply into wrestling itself.
Beyond the Microphone
Howard Finkel’s contributions weren’t limited to the ring. He worked behind the scenes on ticket sales, the early WWF website, and branding—famously naming WrestleMania. His versatility gave WWE continuity across decades, a legacy that announcers like Jim Ross or Michael Cole, despite their own immense contributions, couldn’t fully replicate.
The Emotional Weight of His Announcing
Finkel’s presence gave official weight to every victory. His calls weren’t just announcements; they were validations. For wrestlers, being announced by him meant their achievements carried historic significance. For fans, his tone and timing elevated every match, embedding emotion and excitement into the memory.
Trials, Tributes, and a Legacy Restored
Despite WWE occasionally sidelining him with comedic roles or minor humiliations, Howard Finkel remained beloved. His surprise return as CM Punk’s personal ring announcer at Survivor Series 2011 brought one of the loudest crowd reactions of the night—a clear reminder that The Fink’s connection with fans could never be replaced.
The End of an Era
With his passing, wrestling lost not just a voice, but an institution. Howard Finkel embodied professionalism, passion, and precision, shaping how wrestling was experienced for generations. His legacy endures in every iconic announcement, every legendary moment he punctuated, and every fan who still hears his voice when they think of wrestling’s greatest nights.