Hulk Hogan and Jim Ross lead Howard Finkel tributes to late WWE icon: 'The voice we all grew up with'

Hulk Hogan and long-serving WWE commentator Jim Ross are among the wrestling legends offering their tributes to Howard Finkel, who passed away at the age of 69 on hursday.

The iconic Finkel - nicknamed "The Fink" - made his announcing debut in 1997 at Madison Square Garden in what was then known as WWWF.

Finkel's voice and catchphrase "and the new" was an integral component of what built the WWE to what it is today.

The American was the longest-serving employee in the company's history, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

Legendary WWE superstar Hulk Hogan offered his condolences, saying: "Howard Finkel 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 for life."

Commentator Jim Ross added: "So sad to hear of the passing of my friend, the greatest ring announcer in the biz, Howard Finkel, at the age of 69.

"The Hall of Famer is now ring announcing in Heaven. #RIPFink. No one was more loyal or loved pro wrestling more than The Fink."

Stephanie McMahon - daughter of Vince McMahon, who initially employed Finkel over 30 years ago - was quick to offer her sentiments.

"In what has already been a tough week for our WWE family, today we lost our first ever employee and WWE Hall of Famer, Howard Finkel," she said.

"Howard’s voice is iconic and recognised by generations of fans. He will be missed. Thank you for everything."

Current WWE superstar Johnny Gargano also commented, stating: "Howard Finkel was a staple of my childhood. The voice we all grew up with.

"I first met Howard backstage at WrestleMania 33. I walked up and as I said "Hello, sir" and went to introduce myself, he burst out "HELLO, JOHNNY!" I couldn't believe he knew MY name! #RIPFink."