Legendary wrestling announcer Bob Caudle has passed away at the age of 95.
His son, Mike, confirmed the news on Sunday morning, stating that his father passed away peacefully in his sleep overnight. The update was first shared by the Mid-Atlantic Gateway.
Caudle was the defining voice of Jim Crockett Promotions for decades. He served as the lead play-by-play announcer for Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, broadcasting from the studios of WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina. He also hosted syndicated programs including All-Star Wrestling and World Wide Wrestling.
When Jim Crockett Promotions was sold and became World Championship Wrestling, Caudle remained with the promotion. He was a fixture on WCW World Wide Wrestling and provided commentary for early Starrcade and Clash of the Champions events, often working alongside Jim Ross.
After departing WCW in 1991, Caudle briefly worked for South Atlantic Pro Wrestling. He then became the lead announcer for Jim Cornette’s Smoky Mountain Wrestling, where he stayed until the promotion closed.
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Caudle began his broadcasting career in Wilmington before moving to Savannah, Georgia. He hosted a studio wrestling show there in the late 1950s, which led to his long-tenured role with Jim Crockett Sr.
Outside of wrestling, Caudle was also a weatherman for WRAL. He later worked as a legislative assistant and press secretary for US Senator Jesse Helms, a longtime ally from his broadcasting days, until 1996.
Caudle’s voice was last featured on a major broadcast in 2022 for “Ric Flair’s Last Match.” He provided pre-recorded segments to open the pay-per-view and to close the show with his signature sign-off, “So long for now.”
Ric Flair posted a tribute on X.
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!
Jim Ross commented:
I’m so sad to hear of Bob Caudle’s passing. He was a wonderful man and a great broadcaster. Loved him.
The NWA also released a statement honoring its former voice.
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.’
AEW marked the passing with a post on X:
AEW and the wrestling world mourn the passing of Bob Caudle, the legendary voice of Mid-Atlantic Wrestling. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and his fans. pic.twitter.com/hyerfjDwnH
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) November 16, 2025
Caudle was preceded in death by his wife of 76 years, Jackie, who passed away on April 24. He is survived by three children, seven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.
