Wrestling Legend Bob Caudle Sadly Passes Away At 95
Wrestling broadcasting icon Bob Caudle has passed away.
It’s been announced that broadcasting legend Bob Caudle has passed away aged 95. As confirmed by Caudle’s son, Mike, he died peacefully in his sleep.
Caudle’s wife, Jackie, passed away in April shortly after the couple celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary. Bob and Jackie leave behind three children, seven grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
Bob Caudle began his broadcasting career in the late 1950s and worked as the weatherman at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, while also being the voice of NWA Atlantic Coast Wrestling. The show was later rebranded NWA Mid-Atlantic Wrestling.
Caudle will forever be remembered as the voice of Jim Crockett Promotions, and his understated yet warm and friendly delivery put the emphasis on the wrestlers in the ring. As he never became a babyface or a heel or was involved directly in angles, he was the trusted voice of southern wrestling. His habit of speaking directly to “wrestling fans” at home offered a level of familiarity that clearly stood him apart.
After leaving what had become WCW in 1991, Caudle worked for Smoky Mountain Wrestling and South Atlantic Pro Wrestling until 1995.
Caudle later became a regular at NWA reunion shows, and in 2022, he opened the pay-per-view broadcast for Ric Flair’s Last Match, signing off with his signature “So long for now” catchphrase.
Tributes Pour In For Bob Caudle
Bob Caudle is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestling announcers in history, alongside the likes of Jim Ross, Gordon Solie, Tony Schiavone, Gorilla Monsoon, and Bobby Heenan, among others.
Following the sad announcement of his passing, tributes began to pour in on social media, with Ric Flair calling Caudle a “great friend” and one of the greatest announcers ever.
Bob Caudle Was A Great Friend, And Someone Who Helped Me Develop My Interview Skills. You Were A Great Man Bob, And You Will Be Remembered Forever As One Of The Greatest Announcers Of All Time. I Cherish All The Time That I Got To Spend With You. Rest In Peace My Dear Friend! 🙏🏻
The NWA also posted its own tribute.
The National Wrestling Alliance is saddened to note the passing of Bob Caudle.
Throughout the ‘70s and well into the 1980s and beyond, Bob left an indelible mark on the NWA, its programming, and fans. His was the signature voice of countless NWA broadcasts and pay-per-views during a decades-long career.
The NWA sends its most sincere condolences to Bob’s friends, family, and fans. As the broadcast legend said to close each episode of 𝘕𝘞𝘈 𝘔𝘪𝘥-𝘈𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘞𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨: “So long for now.”
Everyone at TJR Wrestling sends their condolences to Bob Caudle’s family and friends during this difficult time.