The professional wrestling world mourned the loss of one of broadcasting’s greatest voices on Sunday, November 16, 2025, as Bob Caudle passed away at the age of 95.[4] The legendary announcer, whose tenure with the National Wrestling Alliance spanned decades and defined an era of wrestling entertainment, left an indelible mark on the industry that will be felt for generations to come.
Among those paying tribute to the broadcasting icon was Ric Flair, who took to social media to express his deep gratitude and respect for the man who played a crucial role in shaping his career. Flair’s heartfelt message underscored just how significant Caudle’s influence was on one of professional wrestling’s greatest performers and most skilled interview subjects.
The Voice of an Era: Bob Caudle’s Impact on Wrestling Broadcasting
Bob Caudle’s voice became synonymous with professional wrestling during the 1970s and 1980s, a golden era when the National Wrestling Alliance dominated the sport’s landscape.[1] For decades, Caudle served as the signature voice of countless NWA broadcasts and pay-per-view events, bringing gravitas and professionalism to wrestling commentary at a time when the industry was still establishing its credibility with mainstream audiences.
Throughout his lengthy career in the broadcast booth, Caudle became known for his distinctive delivery and his ability to capture the drama unfolding in the ring. His work on NWA Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling made him a household name among wrestling fans, and his closing catchphrase—”So long for now”—became as iconic as the wrestlers he interviewed.[1]
Ric Flair’s Tribute: A Career-Defining Influence
When news of Caudle’s passing broke, Ric Flair responded with an emotionally resonant message that highlighted the personal connection between the two men and the professional debt Flair owed to the legendary announcer.
“Bob Caudle was a great friend, and someone who helped me develop my interview skills,” Flair wrote in his social media tribute.[1][2] “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 significance of Flair’s words cannot be overstated. The Nature Boy’s legendary interview skills and his ability to captivate audiences during promos became hallmarks of his career and contributed substantially to his status as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. For Flair to publicly credit Caudle with helping him develop those skills speaks volumes about the announcer’s role in wrestling history.
Their on-screen chemistry during the 1980s, particularly during classic Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling segments, demonstrated the symbiotic relationship between an exceptional performer and a skilled broadcaster.[3] Caudle knew how to ask the right questions, how to let Flair’s charisma shine through, and how to build drama that kept viewers invested in the storylines unfolding both in and out of the ring.
Industry Recognition: The NWA’s Statement
The National Wrestling Alliance released an official statement acknowledging Caudle’s tremendous contributions to the promotion and to professional wrestling as a whole. The NWA’s message reflected the deep respect the organization held for its former broadcast legend.
“Throughout the ’70s and well into the 1980s and beyond, Bob left an indelible mark on the NWA, its programming, and fans,” the statement read.[1] “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.”
The NWA’s tribute also included a reference to Caudle’s iconic sign-off, recognizing that his legacy would endure through the memories of those who heard his voice week after week during the territorial era of professional wrestling.
The Broadcasting Legacy That Shaped Wrestling Entertainment
According to sources close to wrestling historians, Bob Caudle’s career represents a crucial bridge between wrestling’s carnival roots and its evolution into mainstream sports entertainment.[5] He was instrumental in legitimizing professional wrestling as televised entertainment during a period when the industry needed credible broadcasters to help establish its narrative authority.
Caudle worked during a transformative period in professional wrestling, when the National Wrestling Alliance was expanding its reach through regional television programming. His work helped establish the broadcasting standards that would eventually influence how wrestling was presented on a national stage. The professionalism he brought to his commentary work raised the bar for everyone in the industry.
The relationship between a great announcer and a great performer is symbiotic—the announcer helps elevate the performer’s work, and the performer gives the announcer material that showcases their skills. Flair and Caudle exemplified this dynamic perfectly, with their classic Mid-Atlantic segments becoming templates for how interviews should be conducted in professional wrestling.
Wrestling’s Greatest Voices Remember Bob Caudle
The outpouring of tributes following Caudle’s passing demonstrated the profound respect he earned throughout his career. From wrestlers to broadcasters to fans who grew up watching NWA Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, people across the wrestling world took to social media and other platforms to share their memories of the legendary announcer.
Caudle’s passing marked the end of an era in professional wrestling. He represented a generation of broadcasters who helped establish the foundational standards of wrestling entertainment, long before the industry became the multi-billion-dollar enterprise it is today. His work on regional broadcasts created wrestling stars, told compelling stories, and gave fans reasons to tune in week after week.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Beyond the Microphone
Bob Caudle’s influence on professional wrestling extends far beyond his years behind the microphone. Through his work interviewing and introducing wrestling’s greatest talents, he helped shape the careers of performers who would go on to achieve legendary status. Ric Flair’s public acknowledgment of Caudle’s role in developing his interview skills serves as a powerful reminder of how important supporting players are in professional wrestling’s success.
The broadcaster’s death at age 95 represents the loss of a living connection to professional wrestling’s most formative era. As more of wrestling’s pioneers pass away, their contributions become increasingly precious to historians and fans alike. Bob Caudle will be remembered not just as a voice, but as a crucial architect of professional wrestling entertainment as we know it today.
The wrestling world has lost a true legend, but his legacy will endure through the countless moments he broadcast and the careers he helped build. Rest in peace, Bob Caudle.