The wrestling world lost one of its most comforting and consistent voices with the passing of Bob Caudle on November 15, 2025, at the age of 95. His death, confirmed by his son, Mike, marked the end of an era — but his legacy lives on in innumerable memories of fans and fellow professionals alike. 

​

A Storied Career: From Local Studio to Wrestling Legend

Bob Caudle began his broadcast journey in the late 1950s, working in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, where he hosted a local studio wrestling show.  As both a weatherman for WRAL-TV in Raleigh and a host for wrestling taped in the same studios, Caudle uniquely bridged two worlds. 

​

When Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) rose to prominence in the Mid-Atlantic wrestling territory, Caudle became a mainstay. In 1973, as the flagship program evolved into NWA Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, he assumed the role of lead play-by-play announcer. Wikipedia Over the decades, he called matches for All-Star Wrestling, Wide World Wrestling, World Wide Wrestling, and more — even after JCP was acquired by Turner and rebranded under WCW.

​

He wasn’t just a weekend TV voice. Caudle anchored major events: he was the lead announcer for Starrcade in the ’80s, and he worked on early Clash of the Champions telecasts. Later, he lent his voice to Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW), joining Jim Cornette’s promotion and even working alongside Jim Ross during Ross’s brief return from WWF. 

​

His Style: Warmth, Professionalism & Respect

Bob Caudle’s announcing style was both traditional and timeless. He never played the heel or the face. Instead, he let the wrestlers be the story.  He wasn’t flashy or theatrical — his strength lay in his steady, sincere delivery, treating the action with respect and giving the viewers a voice they could trust.

​

He opened his broadcasts with a trademark greeting, “Hello, wrestling fans…”, and closed with another: “That’ll do it for this week. We’ll see you next week, and until then, so long for now.”  These lines weren’t just phrases — they became part of the ritual for Mid-Atlantic viewers, something they could count on every week.

​

Contributions & Legacy

• A Constant Through Change: In a business often defined by shifting alliances and personalities, Caudle was the rock. From the studio tapings in Raleigh to arena shows across the Carolinas and Virginia, he remained a steady voice. 

• Connecting Fans to Wrestlers: Beyond calling matches, Caudle conducted interviews that allowed fans to get to know the wrestlers personally. 

• Ambassador of the Territory Era: His presence helped define the Mid-Atlantic territory, preserving its spirit long after its heyday. Even into the 2000s, he made regular appearances at reunions and conventions. 

Final Bow: In Ric Flair’s Last Match (2022), Caudle returned — his voice pre-recorded — to introduce the event and close it with his signature sign-off: “So long for now.” ​​

​

Life Beyond the Mic

Outside wrestling, Caudle led a varied and impactful life. He worked in broadcast news and weather at WRAL-TV and later served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Jesse Helms.  He married his wife, Jackie, and together they celebrated 76 years of marriage before her passing in April 2025.  They raised a family, leaving behind children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

​

Why Wrestling Fans Loved Him

For many, Bob Caudle’s voice was comfort. He provided consistency in a world that could feel chaotic — match after match, week after week. He didn’t need flashy catchphrases or controversial commentary. His sincerity, his calm presence, and respect for the sport and its performers made him beloved. As one fan put it, he was “a true champion for wrestling fans.” 

​

Final Thoughts

Bob Caudle’s passing is more than the loss of a wrestling announcer — it’s a farewell to a storyteller who helped generations of fans fall in love with regional wrestling. His voice guided viewers through memorable moments, pivotal feuds, and historic matches.

​

He may be gone, but his sign-off echoes on: “So long for now.”

​

To his family, his friends, and all the fans who grew up listening, thank you, Bob. You made wrestling feel like home.