Mike Finn

Born in the wrestling hotbed of Waterloo, Iowa, Mike Finn spent nearly five decades documenting the stories that define the sport. While he jokingly admits that his own competitive career at Waterloo Columbus High School in the early 1970s was less than stellar—noting “I never wrestled varsity and usually got my rear kicked”—the life lessons he learned on the mat became the driving force of a hall of fame career in journalism. Reflecting on his beginnings, Finn noted that “wrestling made me the journalist I wanted to be,” explaining that the sport provided the resilience necessary for a professional career.

Following his graduation from the University of Iowa in 1978, Finn spent ten years working as a college sports publicist at Memphis State University. He returned to his home state in 1988 as the editor of Voice of the Hawkeyes magazine, where he was reintroduced to wrestling during a dominant era for the program. It was during this time that Finn developed a professional relationship with the legendary Dan Gable that has spanned over 35 years.

In 2003, Finn became the editor of Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine (WIN), located in Newton, Iowa. During his 22-year tenure, Finn championed a reporting style which encouraged him to ask tough questions and seek the truth behind the highlights. Finn never quit while chasing a story, lessons carried over from the sport he loves. He frequently emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, “Journalists have got to come together and build up more and be willing to take risks.” This objective perspective allowed him to tell the stories of icons like Jordan Burroughs, Rulon Gardner, and John Smith.

Finn’s devotion to the sport’s authentic, honest character shaped his career. He famously observed that “no athlete or coach of any sport is more candid than a wrestler,” a belief that fueled his passion for sharing their unique stories. This professional drive was often pushed by the individuals he covered. Finn recalled a transformative encounter with Dan Gable, who “literally put his finger in my chest and challenged me to be as good of a journalist as the many champions and All-Americans he produced”. Finn rose to that challenge, covering thousands of matches and five Olympic Games between 2008 and 2024 for NBC Sports.

Finn’s commitment to excellence earned him national recognition, including the 2016 Bob Dellinger Media Award—the only media award listed in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Upon his retirement in February 2025, he was named the 2024-25 Journalist of the Year by WIN Magazine, adding to a legacy that included the Jay Hammond Memorial Recognition in 2015 and being named the 2007 Journalist of the Year by the National Wrestling Media Association.

Even as he transitioned away from the editor’s desk, Finn remained steadfast in his advice to the next generation: “No matter the medium, you have got to be curious. Look for a new story, always.”

Mike Finn was inducted into the 2026 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame with Jon McGovern, Matt McDonough, Dan Glenn and Phil Henning.

High School

Waterloo Columbus High School

College

University of Iowa