Sylvester Ritterwas anAmericanprofessional wrestlerandprofessional footballplayer, best known for his work inMid-South Wrestlingand theWorld Wrestling Federationas TheJunkyard Dog(orJYDfor short), anicknameRitter received while working in awrecking yard. Entering the ring with his trademark chain attached to a dog collar,to the music ofQueen's "Another One Bites the Dust,"JYD regularly headlined cards that sold out theLouisiana Superdomeand other major venues, becoming "the firstblackwrestler 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 TheOne Man Gang,Kamala, andKing Kong Bundy. The word "Thump," which referred to JYD's power slam, was prominently displayed on his wrestling trunks.