Sylvester Ritter was a professional wrestler best known for his work in the World Wrestling Federation as Junkyard Dog.

Profile

• Height: 6'3"
• Weight: 280 lbs
• Birthday: December 13, 1953
• Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
• Date of Death: June 2, 1998 (auto accident)
• Trained By: -
• Professional Debut: 1978
• Previous Identities: Junkyard Dog, JYD
• Finishing/Signature Move(s): The Thump

Career

JYD, as he was also known, was one of the most popular wrestlers of the 1980s and 1990s. He often brought kids into the ring after his matches during his WWF days. In the Mid-South, his entrance music was "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen. Later, his entrance music was "Atomic Dog" by P. Funker George Clinton. Even later, his entrance song was "Grab Them Cakes" (about buttocks-fondling) sung by himself. The character of Jerome "Chef" McElroy on the animated series South Park is based somewhat on him.

He feuded with many heels in the Mid-South region such as Hacksaw Butch Reed who was later "The Natural" Butch Reed in the WWF.

JYD died in a car crash in South Carolina while on his leaving his daughter's high school graduation. In 2004, his daughter Latoya Ritter represented her late father as he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at Wrestlemania XX.

Championships/Accomplishments

• 2-time Calgary Stampede North American Heavyweight Champion
• 3-time Mid-South Louisiana Heavyweight Champion
• 8-time Mid-South Tag-Team Champion
• 4-time Mid-South North American Heavyweight Champion
• 1-time WCW World Six-Man Tag-Team Champion
• 1-time USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion