Howard Finkel is arguably the greatest announcer in the history of professional wrestling, being someone who introduced some all-time greats of the sport. He did so with a distinctive voice, bringing passion and energy which always helped him to be loved by an audience.
During his lifetime, Finkel was always popular with his peers as well, and he took on a lot of different responsibilities while performing regularly for the company. Fans were able to learn a lot about him over the years, but there are certain things that all wrestling fans should know about Finkel and his work.
10 WWE's First Employee
The reason that WWE treated Howard Finkel so well over the years is the fact he was the first employee that the company ever hired. He is a huge part of history, and a lot of people aren't aware of the fact he was brought in so early on by WWE, which was a major moment.
Finkel was involved with WWE for the rest of his life, which also made him the longest-serving employee that WWE has ever had at the same time. Those years of service helped to make Finkel a legend in the eyes of the WWE Universe and those in management as well.
9 Finkus Maximus
One of the reasons Howard Finkel proved to be so popular was the fact that he was always open for a joke as he didn't take himself too seriously. It's something that proved to help him be a hit with the boys, and that was clear at WrestleMania 9, when he happily changed his name.
Rather than being introduced as Howard Finkel, he would work the entire show as Finkus Maximus, dressed in a toga to go along with the theme that the company was pushing during that particular year.
8 Becoming A Barber
Howard Finkel might have been a legendary announcer, but he got involved in several storylines over the years, which is a side of him that fans should know about. One of those saw him and Jeff Jarrett go back and forth, which led to the wrestler cutting Finkel's hair to get some heat.
But when X-Pac defeated him in a hair vs. hair match, Finkel was around to get some revenge, delivering the cuts himself to Jarrett. It's a moment that some fans might not be aware of, or could have forgotten, but it highlighted him at his best.
7 Legends House
If fans want to learn about who Howard Finkel was as a person rather than just the in-ring persona that he played, then the WWE Network series Legends House is something that people should watch. This show brought together several legends from wrestling history into one home, and they competed in challenges.
It's something that proved to be very popular among those who watched it at the time, and for anybody who wants to learn about Finkel and the personality he has, this is something that deserves to be seen.
6 A Hall Of Famer
Fans who may not have been around as long, or don't pay as much attention, may not be aware of the fact that Howard Finkel is a Hall Of Famer. There aren't many people who get inductions from non-wrestling roles, so the fact that Finkel was given the nod showcases how talented he was.
His induction took place during the 2009 ceremony, as another legend of the broadcasting side of the business inducted him. Mean Gene Okerlund inducted Finkel into the Hall Of Fame, which he certainly deserved.
5 He Wrestled
Howard Finkel was not a professionally trained wrestler that was looking to become a World Champion, but much like most people who end up working for WWE, it didn't stop him from getting into the ring. WWE often puts non-wrestlers in matches, whether it be Jim Ross or John Laurinaitis, and that includes Finkel.
During his time in professional wrestling, he ended up competing in eight different matches throughout the years. None of his matches were particularly good to watch, but they often featured plenty of bells and whistles to try and make it work.
4 One Final Introduction
The 25th-anniversary episode of Monday Night Raw may not have been the best show overall, but it was a big moment for the company. Howard Finkel wasn't able to attend the event due to his health at the time, but he still made sure that he had a role to play.
Finkel pre-recorded an introduction for The Undertaker, who was making a rare appearance on the show. This was a monumental pairing for two legendary names, and it ended up being the final call that Finkel made in his career.
3 Keeping His Health Secret
Toward the end of Howard Finkel's life, his health, unfortunately, was in decline, and that was something that could be visibly seen when rare pictures of him surfaced online. But they were few and far between, which was an intentional situation on his behalf.
Finkel didn't want people worrying about him constantly, therefore the wrestlers he was close with who went to see him in his final years revealed that he told them not to share pictures or reveal too much information, showing the type of person he was.
2 Chief Statistician
Howard Finkel may not have always been involved in storylines or angles, but he did have the best seat in the house for most shows where he was able to watch everything and take in what was happening. During that time he was watching carefully and remembering the information as well.
That ability to watch and listen is something WWE tapped into later on in his career, as he became the Chief Statistician for the company as he had a brilliant way of remembering details, dates, and locations of shows and moments.
1 He Created WrestleMania
WrestleMania is the most iconic show in the history of professional wrestling, with the creation of this event helping to take the business to new heights. Fans have loved that show for years and each year it continues to grow in popularity. While it was Vince McMahon who made the show, Howard Finkel also played a part.
When a meeting was taking place about making the first-ever WrestleMania, a big decision that had to be made was on the name. Lots were thrown around, but it was Finkel who came up with WrestleMania, which was a nod to BeatleMania.