Sylvester Ritter

Biography

Sylvester Ritter was an American professional wrestler and professional football player, best known for his work in Mid-South Wrestling and the World Wrestling Federation as The Junkyard Dog (or JYD for short), a nickname Ritter received while working in a wrecking yard. Entering the ring with his trademark chain attached to a dog collar, to the music of Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust," JYD regularly headlined cards that sold out the Louisiana Superdome and other major venues, becoming "the first blackwrestler to be made the undisputed top star of his promotion". JYD was one of the most electrifying and charismatic wrestlers in the country, particularly during his peak in the early 1980s. JYD was most known for his head butt and upper-body strength, the latter of which saw him regularly body slam such large wrestlers as The One Man Gang, Kamala, and King Kong Bundy. The word "Thump," which referred to JYD's power slam, was prominently displayed on his wrestling trunks.

Known For

Legends of Mid-South Wrestling 2013 ★ 9.3
The True Story of WrestleMania 2011 ★ 8.2
WWE: Top 50 Superstars of All Time 2010 ★ 8.3
WWE: Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology 2006 ★ 7.9
The Greatest Wrestling Stars of the '80s 2005 ★ 7.8
The Life And Times of Paul Boesch 1994 ★ 10.0
WCW Halloween Havoc 1990 1990 ★ 6.0
Clash of the Champions 1988
WWE WrestleMania IV 1988 ★ 7.2
WWE Royal Rumble 1988 1988 ★ 6.6
WWE WrestleMania III 1987 ★ 7.3
The WWF's Even More Unusual Matches 1987
Jake "The Snake" Roberts 1987
WWF Superstars 1986 ★ 7.4
WWF Wrestling Challenge 1986 ★ 6.8
WWE Grudge Match 1986
WrestleMania II 1986 ★ 6.4
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event 1985 ★ 8.3
NWA World Championship Wrestling 1985
WrestleMania 1985 ★ 6.6
WCW Arena Shows 1983
World Class Championship Wrestling 1982
Mid-South Wrestling 1981
WWE Old School 1973