Pro wrestling has lost one of its most iconic voices. Bob Caudle, the legendary announcer best known for his work with Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling and WCW, passed away in his sleep at the age of 95.
His son confirmed the news early Sunday morning. Mid-Atlantic Gateway shared the update via social media, writing:
“It is with a very sad heart that I report that Bob Caudle has passed away. He was 95 years old. His son Mike wrote this morning that Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep overnight. Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to his family. More information will be forthcoming.”
Caudle’s influence stretched across generations. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, he started his broadcasting career in Wilmington before moving to Savannah, where he hosted a televised wrestling show in the late 1950s. That led to his first gig under legendary promoter Jim Crockett Sr., working in the territory that would eventually become Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling.
In the 1970s and ‘80s, Caudle became the defining voice of Jim Crockett Promotions. Working out of WRAL-TV in Raleigh, he handled play-by-play for syndicated shows like Wide World Wrestling, World Wide Wrestling, and Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. Even after Crockett Promotions was sold to Ted Turner and became WCW, Caudle stayed on as a fixture on WCW World Wide Wrestling and the early Starrcade and Clash of the Champions events.
Fans remember him for his steady, no-frills approach to commentary. He didn’t try to be a character. He let the wrestlers shine. Caudle rarely played into storylines or angles, but his voice added credibility and professionalism to every match.
Over the years, he shared the mic with legends like Gordon Solie, Tony Schiavone, Jim Ross, Dutch Mantel, David Crockett, and Les Thatcher. He later joined Jim Cornette’s Smoky Mountain Wrestling as their lead announcer, continuing his career into the ‘90s.
Away from the ring, Caudle was just as accomplished. After leaving WRAL, he worked as a legislative assistant for Senator Jesse Helms until 1996. Caudle and Helms had been close since their early broadcasting days and remained longtime allies.
He was married for over 50 years and is survived by his wife, three children, and seven grandchildren.
Bob Caudle didn’t yell, didn’t chase attention, and didn’t need to. He earned respect through calm professionalism and old-school integrity—a voice fans trusted for decades.
What’s your favorite Bob Caudle memory? Do you think today’s wrestling commentary has lost that classic touch he brought? Share your thoughts and tributes in the comments below.
November 16, 2025 9:27 am
