Sad news on wrestling front as former WWF Hall of Famer and ring announcer Howard Finkel passed away today at 69. His legendary WWF/E career spanned from late 70s into 2000s with his final appearance at 2011 Survivor Series being CM Punk special ring announcer.
When I got into world of wrestling as a fan I was a kid, about 10, giving this a shot after playing WWF Wrestlemania for NES. Turned on WWF Superstars which was at time on local CBS station sydnicate at 6 PM on Saturday night. The first wrestling ring announcer to greet me was Howard Finkel. He introduced all the wrestlers in the ring and the winners on the show. It was his delivery approach have fans on their feet making everything important especially every WWF title change.
He would have his moments in the ring with short-lived feuds and angles first with Harvey Wippleman around 1994 then with Lilian Garcia in 2004. He did have one off against Tony Chimel attacking him over being the best ring announcer. To wrestling fans he is the best ever in-ring announcer.
Howard Finkel will forever be missed.
Heard about this on the radio yesterday. I didn't recognize his name... but after clicking on that video, I instantly recognized his voice. Rest in peace Mr. Finkel.
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