The professional wrestling world mourns the loss of one of its most iconic voices. Bob Caudle, the legendary announcer whose smooth delivery and distinctive greeting became synonymous with Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, has passed away at the age of 95[4]. His passing marks the end of an era for wrestling fans who grew up hearing his trademark opening line, “Hello wrestling fans…”, and his farewell sign-off, “That’ll do it for this week.”
A Storied Career Spanning Decades
Caudle’s influence on professional wrestling announcer standards cannot be overstated. Beginning his career in the late 1950s with Jim Crockett Promotions, he quickly became the official voice of one of wrestling’s most prestigious territories[1]. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Caudle’s presence on television helped establish Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling as a training ground for some of the industry’s greatest talents, including the legendary Ric Flair.
What made Caudle’s work unique was his dual role in the wrestling industry. Beyond his responsibilities as a commentator, Caudle worked as a weatherman at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, where NWA Atlantic Coast Wrestling was taped every week[1]. This remarkable balancing act showcased his versatility and dedication to both his broadcasting career and the wrestling community he served.
The Evolution of a Wrestling Institution
The landscape of professional wrestling changed significantly throughout Caudle’s tenure. When Jim Crockett Promotions was restructured following the death of Jim Crockett, Sr., the flagship program was renamed NWA Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling in 1973[1]. Caudle remained at the helm, becoming the continuity that fans relied upon during wrestling’s territorial evolution. His consistent presence helped audiences navigate the shifts in promotion ownership and programming changes.
By the late 1980s and early 1990s, as the territorial system began to collapse, Caudle adapted to new opportunities. After leaving WCW by late 1991, he joined South Atlantic Pro Wrestling as lead announcer before transitioning to Jim Cornette’s Smoky Mountain Wrestling[1]. During his time with SMW, Caudle worked alongside Jim Ross, further cementing his status as a mentor figure to younger announcers entering the profession.
Personal Tragedy and Resilience
Caudle’s personal life was marked by both profound loss and remarkable resilience. Earlier this year, his wife of 76 years, Jackie Caudle, passed away on April 27, 2025[1][2]. The couple had built a life together that spanned more than three-quarters of a century, raising three children, seven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren[1]. The loss of Jackie came just months before Bob’s own passing, a difficult period for the beloved announcer.
Despite health challenges, including two heart attacks suffered on June 14, 2007, Caudle made a complete recovery and continued making personal appearances at NWA events well into his later years[1]. His determination to remain connected to the wrestling community he loved demonstrated the depth of his passion for the industry.
Legacy and Continued Presence
Even as his active broadcasting career wound down, Caudle maintained a presence in professional wrestling through reunion shows and special appearances. He introduced Ric Flair at the annual NWA Fanfest in 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina, proving that his connection to wrestling legends remained strong[1]. For fans of territorial wrestling and the NWA’s golden era, Caudle represented a direct link to wrestling’s most storied period.
“Bob Caudle was the backbone of Mid-Atlantic Wrestling,” a source close to wrestling historians shared. “He wasn’t just an announcer—he was the voice that legitimized everything that happened in that territory. Wrestlers wanted to be called by Bob because it meant you had made it.”
Impact on Broadcasting Standards
Caudle’s influence extended beyond his own career into how wrestling announcers approached their craft. His signature style—professional yet accessible, authoritative yet entertaining—set a template that many successful wrestling commentators would follow. Unlike some of his contemporaries who relied on sensationalism, Caudle let the wrestling action speak for itself, providing context and storytelling without overshadowing the performers.
This approach proved timeless. Even as wrestling evolved from territorial dominance to national promotions like WWE and WCW, the fundamental principles Caudle employed remained relevant. Modern commentators often cite him as an influence, recognizing that his professionalism elevated the entire industry.
A Fitting Farewell
Caudle’s passing comes at a time when professional wrestling continues to grapple with its own history and legacy. The resurgence of interest in territorial wrestling, increased wrestling documentaries, and nostalgic programming have brought renewed attention to figures like Caudle who shaped the industry during its territorial peak.
For younger wrestling fans discovering Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling through streaming services and wrestling history channels, Caudle’s voice serves as a time capsule—a reminder of wrestling’s regional roots and the announcers who helped build the industry from the ground up.
Remembering the Voice of an Era
The wrestling community has taken to social media and wrestling news outlets to share memories of Bob Caudle. Stories circulate about his professionalism, his kindness to aspiring announcers, and his unwavering dedication to wrestling throughout his nine-and-a-half decades of life. From legendary wrestlers to contemporary broadcast professionals, the tributes reflect the deep respect Caudle earned throughout his career.
His trademark greeting and sign-off became more than catchphrases—they represented consistency and reliability in an industry known for dramatic changes. “Hello wrestling fans…” became a promise that you were about to experience legitimate athletic competition called by a professional who cared about the presentation. “That’ll do it for this week…” became a farewell that felt personal, as though Caudle was thanking viewers for their loyalty.
The End of an Era
Bob Caudle’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in professional wrestling history. As one of the last surviving voices of the territorial era, his death represents the closing of a generational window. The announcers who worked alongside him, the wrestlers he called their matches, and the fans who grew up with his voice on their televisions will carry his legacy forward.
The wrestling industry has lost a pioneer, a mentor, and a gentleman who represented the best of professional wrestling’s broadcasting tradition. Bob Caudle leaves behind a legacy that transcends wrestling—a reminder that professionalism, dedication, and authenticity never go out of style.