Wrestling world thrown into mourning as WWE Hall of Famer dies

WWE has been thrown into mourning following the death of legendary announcer Howard Finkel, the entertainment company has announced.

Howard Finkel made a name for himself as one of the most iconic ring announcers after making his debut at Madison Square Garden in 1977.

The 69-year-old initially debuted for WWE's predecessor WWWF, before becoming a full-time announcer in 1980.

He went on to become the distinctive voice behind for superstars including The Ultimate Warrior and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

WWE confirmed his death on Thursday, April 16, paying an emotional tribute to him.

"WWE is saddened to learn that Howard Finkel has passed away at age 69.

When considering the greatest ring announcers in the history of sports and sports-entertainment, you'd be hard-pressed to name one better than Howard Finkel," the entertainment company said in a statement.

"Well respected by current Superstars, WWE Legends and Hall of Famers, Finkel's encyclopedic memory and kindness made him beloved among his colleagues," the statement continued.

Meanwhile, despite his otherwise illustrious career as an announcer, he also made in-ring competition in certain circumstances.

In 1995 for instance, The Fink, as he was fondly known, he battled his longtime rival Harvey Wippleman in a Tuxedo Match on Raw, and later helped X-Pac shave Jeff Jarrett's head in a Hair vs. Hair Match at SummerSlam in 1998.