Former WCW legend “The Masked Assassin” Jody Hamilton passes away at the age of 82 with many WWE stars paying tribute

Jody “The Masked Assassin” Hamilton has sadly passed away at the age of 82 after entering into hospice care a day earlier.

His son, Joe Hamilton Jr. confirmed the news on Facebook with an official statement saying: (h/t Wrestling Inc)

“It is with heavy heart that I make this post. At 2:16 today my father took his last breath on this earth. He passed comfortably, surrounded by the people that love him. Now our attention has to shift over to taking care of my mom. I want to thank everyone that sent out prayers and support for my family. I will put more information about pop out, but right now I’m kinda numb.”

The son was a referee for WWE from 2001 to 2008.

Several stars from the wrestling world paid tribute to the legendary wrestler on Twitter. They had nice words about Hamilton, who was in the wrestling business for decades. The cause of the death is not yet revealed.

R.I.P “The Assassin” Jody Hamilton. Thanks for the lessons, the memories, & the stories many of us will never forget. I hope you’re lighting a big cuban in the sky! 🥃 pic.twitter.com/0ZTzrFHkXN

— “The Big LG” Doc Gallows AKA Sex Ferguson (@The_BigLG) August 3, 2021

In my opinion The Masked Assassin is 1 of the 2 greatest masked villains ever.(Masked Superstar is the other one) Jody Hamilton was also a wonderful human being, that I'm honored to have known. Sending my love to his son Nick & their family. #RIPMaskedAssassin pic.twitter.com/Pk6aQGP5uM

— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) August 3, 2021

With a heavy heart I have to pay the ultimate respect to one of the truly greats of our business the one and only Jody Hamilton a.k.a. the Assassin. Jody was the first to believe me down at the power plant. Much love and respect my brother. Sympathies to Nick and Rosemary. DDP pic.twitter.com/Rg6hhWWPT8

— Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) August 4, 2021

RIP Jody Hamilton. The man that trained me and got me a look and contract. One of the greatest minds to ever lace up the boots. At over 300 pounds a fantastic worker. pic.twitter.com/09kNdo4pcp

— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) August 4, 2021

The Assassin Jody Hamilton had an amazing career
Great real promos
He helped alot of wrestlers become stars in WCW & WWE
RIP pic.twitter.com/jkta64f4az

— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) August 3, 2021

I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Jody Hamilton “ The Assassin”. From the time I arrived to the US in 1993, Jody was wonderful and helpful to me. My deepest condolences and best wishes to his family.

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 3, 2021

RIP JODY HAMILTON! I smell collusion…and I smell it real bad!!! https://t.co/okUGJhLnVu

— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) August 3, 2021

Rest In Peace to wrestling legend "The Assassin" Jody Hamilton. https://t.co/X94Rw1TIgN

— Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) August 3, 2021

Jody Hamilton career

Hamilton was most famous as one half of the tag team The Assassins where he was called “Assassin #1”. He moved to singles action where he wrestled as “The Assassin” and “The Flame” both while wearing a mask.  His debut came in 1955 and worked for various promotions in the business.

Unfortunately, he was forced to retire in 1988 after suffering a broken back. He moved into managerial roles for WCW and as a trainer at the WCW Power Plant.

Hamilton was inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame in 1994, and inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2013.

Everyone at Media Referee deeply mourns the loss of a legend, and wishes well for his family and loved ones.

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