In light of World Wrestling Entertainment's recent decision to pull out of their developmental deal with Deep South Wrestling, owner Joe "Jody" Hamilton has issued the following statement:

I want to thank all the fans we have at DSW for being the greatest and most loyal fans anyone could ever ask for. Since WWE has shut DSW down I have experienced some of the most emotional situations that I have ever been involved in; from emotional farewells with some of the DSW talent, to answering emotional questions from fans that were deeply hurt by this. I have no answers for the fans. For the talent involved, I can say from the bottom of my heart that I love you very much.

After being on an emotional rollercoaster for most of the day and desperately trying to keep it all together it was my 7 year old grandson that caused me to loose it (big time). Christian overheard my daughter telling his sister that WWE had let me go and I wouldn't be working at the DSW arena anymore. He then told his mother he wanted to get some money from his bank and open a lemonade stand; sell a lot of lemonade and give the money to Pop since he doesn't have a job. Such a sweet, loving, and considerate child (this is a true story). Thank you for caring Christian, but Pop will be OK even without a job.

It's really heart-warming to me that so many people have responded to me being let go. Once again, I want to thank the DSW talent, the DSW fans, and most of all my family, for all of your support. This will never put or keep me down. I will be back.

– Joseph Hamilton (4/20/07)