Who was Jody Hamilton?
Jody Hamilton was an American professional wrestler, promoter, and trainer, who was best known as one half of the tag team The Assassins, where he was called “Assassin #1”. He was also the founder of Deep South Wrestling and a trainer at WCW’s Power Plant. He was the father of former WWE referee Nick Patrick and the brother of Larry Hamilton, also a wrestler
How did Jody Hamilton die?
Jody Hamilton passed away on August 3, 2021, at the age of 82, in Griffin, Georgia. According to WWE, he had been battling “a myriad of health issues” for several years His son Nick confirmed his death on Facebook, writing: “Today I lost my hero, my father. He was a great man, a great father, a great grandfather, and a great friend. I will miss him more than words can express. I love you, Dad.”
What was Jody Hamilton’s legacy?
Jody Hamilton was a pioneer and a legend in the wrestling industry, who had a career spanning over six decades. He was one of the most successful and influential masked wrestlers of all time, who drew sellout crowds and won numerous championships with his partner Tom Renesto as The Assassins. He was also a respected promoter and trainer, who helped shape the careers of many future stars, such as Kevin Nash, Goldberg, Diamond Dallas Page, and Big Show. He was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012 and the NWA Hall of Fame in 2014
He was admired and loved by many of his peers and fans, who paid tribute to him on social media after his death. WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair wrote: “I’m So Sorry To Hear Of The Passing Of Jody Hamilton. He Was A Great Wrestler, A Great Trainer, And A Great Friend. He Was Also One Of The Few People That Was Close To My Son Reid. I Loved Jody And I Will Miss Him.” Former WCW announcer Tony Schiavone wrote: “Jody Hamilton was a great man. He was a great wrestler, a great booker, a great teacher and a great friend. He was also a great father. I will miss him very much.”
Jody Hamilton’s cause of death was a sad loss for the wrestling world, but his legacy will live on through his family, his students, and his fans. He was a true assassin in the ring, but a gentle giant outside of it. Rest in peace, Jody Hamilton
