Deep South Wrestling

Deep South Wrestling was first launched in February 1986 by Jody Hamilton, better known to fans as Assassin #1, along with Bill Behrens. Based in Lovejoy, Georgia, the promotion worked with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and also had ties to the American Wrestling Association (AWA).

It served as both a wrestling promotion and a training ground for new talent. Shows ran steadily for a couple of years, but a back injury forced Hamilton to shut down operations in 1988. Afterward, he focused on training wrestlers at WCW’s Power Plant facility.

Becoming a WWE Development Territory (2005–2007)

In 2005, WWE approached Hamilton about bringing Deep South Wrestling back as an official developmental territory. The relaunch was based in McDonough, Georgia, and the first event took place on September 1, 2005.

Soon after, Mike Mizanin (The Miz) became DSW’s first heavyweight champion. The promotion gained exposure through a local TV deal, ran shows at Six Flags Over Georgia, and eventually toured other Georgia cities. It also introduced tag team championships to give its roster more competitive opportunities.

Despite these efforts, WWE ended the partnership in April 2007. DSW held its final show that same month and officially closed shortly after, with its remaining contracted talent moved to other WWE training territories.

The 2021 Revival

In February 2021, DSW returned under the leadership of Nick Patrick, Jody Hamilton’s son and former WWE referee, Joseph Hamilton Jr. This new version of Deep South Wrestling set up shop in Griffin, Georgia, and currently operates with the mission to honor the promotion’s legacy while presenting entertaining live events for today’s audiences.