...Bonus Prince carryover
" In the west 17 hours blowin'"
"Fans welcome to Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling"
Bob Caudle was the Greatest annuncer in Pro Westling History. It's not a particularly close contest. Gordon Solie, Lance Russell, Jim Ross, Rich Landrum, Tony Schiavone, Gorilla Monson all had their moments and are in the contest but alas ... Nah.
If you were a 'rasslin' fan in the Jim Crockett Promotions area from the late 50's until the late 80's you knew the name Bob Caudle. My first exposure was in June 1977. Talk about a voice you'll never forget. Smooth, homespun, balanced. Rolled into a perfect little package. Never too "up", never too "down". A litany of announcing partners. My favorites were the two most prominent during my viewing era. David Crockett and Legendary wrestler Johnny Weaver. Both have their fair of critics but David truly loved his family business, his passion was JCP. Johnny was Mid Atlantic royalty. A prototypical babyface with the mic. Bob brought the best out in both. His stint in SMW partnering with Dirty Dutch Mantell was well thought of also. Nary a bad word to be found about Bob anywhere. Genuine. R.I.P. Bob, your kind are missed.
With Arn Anderson. Arn proudly displaying the prestigious NWA WORLD TV Title Belt.
Magnum TA and the unpainted(hint:worn off) U.S. Title Belt.
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Bob's run was great. One long, well lived life.
For a much better read on Bob Caudle, check out this Post & Courier article from one the best Pro Wrestling journalists, and friend Mike Mooneyham.
I believe it was in August 1988, the first wrestling article of Mike's I read. Random, though he likely doesn't recall, story. July 1996, The NWO in WCW was white hot. Who was going to be the 4th member after Hulk Hogan? So I called Mike up at the Post & Courier cold, from parts unknown 😅and tried to pry info. To this day I say he knew, but was gonna kayfabe at all cost 😁. Bonus points to anyone who remembers the actual 4th NWO member. Mike loves his Lowcountry, his Clemson Tigers and his Pro Wrestling. A friend with a solid menu game:
Shoot a good vibe or two Mike's way and click that P&C link and check out the Bob Caudle article and more.
Post-Intermezzo... Grace Kelly 💓💓💓 and a lucky Jimmy Stewart ...
Where's the respect for Title Belts in Pro Wrestling these days? Short wrestling converation with my friend Derrick. Back when ...
The Title Belts were held with pride and dignity.
"Worked sport...Trinkets... Not earned.
Well there's a hackneyed way some view Title belts.
Incorrect in my opinion. Let's try:
"Pride of Ownership... Trust in you to carry a title as one face of a Pro Promotion... Professional Respect.
Top 3 are weak and lazy. They are earned, or were. By a company placing trust. I'll close with a pic of my friend holding a catch with pride and accomplishment. Knowing Derrick, that fits. Appreciate you brother.
Reminder ...
Bobby Shane SuperFan and Wrestling Historian Alfred Ticineto with a great, from the heart article coming up on Black Friday. Ya gotta check it out. Knows. His. Stuff.
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