Acting
Sylvester Ritter
Born — Died
1952-12-13 — 1998-06-02
Place of birth
Wadesboro, North Carolina, USA
Known for
Acting
Credits
77 titles
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 19…
Known for
7.2WWE's flagship show of the early-90s featuring great in-ring action, news from the world of sports-entertainment, and more.
WWF Superstars
1986
6.8The biggest WWE Superstars of the late 1980s and early '90s settle their differences in the ring on "Wrestling Challenge"; featuring exciting matches and memorable interviews, this weekly television series captures an important era of WWE history.
WWF Wrestling Challenge
1986
NRMid-South Wrestling was one of the most successful wrestling territories in the 1981s; featuring future WWE Hall of Famers.
Mid-South Wrestling
1981
NRShowcasing incredible in-ring action and unforgettable interviews, this weekly television series features a who's who of WWE Hall of Famers.
NWA World Championship Wrestling
1985
8.3A professional wrestling television program produced by the World Wrestling Federation banner on NBC airing in place of Saturday Night Live. The series was made up entirely of star vs. star bouts in a time when weekly programming consisted primarily of established stars dominating enhancement talent.
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event
1985
NRFrom the Sportatorium comes the groundbreaking sports-entertainment brand World Class Championship Wrestling, featuring legendary competitors such as The Von Erichs, Bruiser Brody, The Fabulous Freebirds and more.
World Class Championship Wrestling
1982
Film credits
2010s · 4 titles
7.3An ambitious and wide-ranging documentary exploring Andre’s upbringing in France, his celebrated career in WWE, and his forays in the entertainment world.
Andre the Giant
2018
8.2The story of WrestleMania, from its early beginnings through the week-long spectacular it has become, including interviews from the Superstars and creative forces behind the event.
The True Story of WrestleMania
2011
8.3A countdown of the greatest superstars in WWE History. From Hulk Hogan to Randy Savage to The Rock to John Cena enjoy an experience down memory lane for long-time fans, and a new experience for new fans of WWE.
WWE: Top 50 Superstars of All Time
2010
9.3For the first time ever, WWE presents the Legends of Mid-South Wrestling. One of the 1980’s hottest territories, Mid-South garnered national attention for its revolutionary storytelling and bruising, athletic matches orchestrated by no-nonsense promoter, “COWBOY” BILL WATTS. Now, the legends and Hall of Famers who cut their teeth in Mid-South share their tales of the fabled proving ground as we deliver OVER 20 classic confrontations from legends Ted DiBiase, Andre The Giant, Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, Sting, Muhammad Ali, and many more…
Legends of Mid-South Wrestling
2013
2000s · 8 titles
8.2Celebrate the careers and legacies of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2004, featuring Sgt. Slaughter, Harley Race, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, Junkyard Dog, Superstar Billy Graham, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Don Muraco, Tito Santana, and Big John Studd. Plus, Pete Rose's special induction to the celebrity wing.
WWE Hall of Fame 2004
2004
7.9The best and most memorable matches from Hulk Hogan's career.
WWE: Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology
2006
7.8From the glory years of Hulk Hogan to the best of "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, an exploration of how yesterday's greatest became today's legends; featuring 15 of the biggest Superstars from the 1980s.
The Greatest Wrestling Stars of the '80s
2005
7.5The phrase Saturday Night s Main Event means the biggest WWE Superstars of the 80s and 90s fighting memorable battles along with humorous and unique vignettes. For the first time ever, the greatest matches in the 18-year history of the event come to DVD with The Best of Saturday Night s Main Event. This 3-disc set includes more than 30 matches, as well as humorous vignettes, interviews, and Superstar recollections of what Saturday Night s Main Event meant to them.
WWE: The Best of Saturday Night's Main Event
2009
NRMid-South Wrestling is proud to present, it's 1st volume of a 4 DVD collection entitled "Giants Midgets Heroes & Villains". It captures some of the greatest moments and biggest names in professional wrestling history from 1980-1985. Until now, this footage has never before been seen on video or DVD. The only way someone could have seen this footage was if they attended a live event or caught a broadcast years ago, but now thanks to Mid-South Wrestling, fans can go back and re-live the excitement, the splendor, the raw action and the true essence of what was known by fans as the glory days. Giants Midgets Heroes & Villains is a true gift to all wrestling fans and is the long awaited arrival of some of the greatest wrestling history.
Mid-South Wrestling Giants, Midgets, Heroes & Villains vol. 1
2007
8.3Follow the evolution of the ladder match and how it has come to be one of the most popular professional wrestling events today. From the earliest ladder matches through TLC and the 6-man Money in the Bank WrestleMania tradition, some of the craziest and most violent ladder matches are included.
WWE: The Ladder Match
2007
NROnce again fans can re-live the legendary glory age of wrestling and once and for all know that the bone breaking, blood-pounding action is real. Several of the matches on this DVD, when they originally aired on T.V. had to run with a disclaimer because the content was over the top vicious & bloody. The infamous match between Ric Flair & Ted DiBiase in a concussion bandage, the ambush beating Hacksaw Jim Duggan received by the hands of Ted DiBiase and his henchmen, the intentional blinding of J.Y.D. by the Midnight Express and the brutal beating Ric Flair endured by the Freebirds during an NWA Championship cage match. All this and more, plus 4 man & 6 man tag team matches, midget matches, a Hacksaw Jim Duggan montage video and Classic interviews including one with Andre the GIANT done by none other then Vince McMahon himself. Enjoy!
Giants, Midgets, Heroes and Villains II
2008
8.5In 1983 World Class Championship Wrestling and its franchise stars, the Von Erich brothers, were known around the world. A small Dallas based promotion running out of a shack of a venue, the Sportatorium, World Class was one of the most syndicated television programs in America, making the Von Erichs household names. Run by legendary wrestler Fritz Von Erich, a.k.a. Jack Adkinsson, World Class made his oldest sons, Kevin, David and Kerry, three of hte biggest stars in the world of wrestling. Little did anyone know that just as the Von Erichs and World Class were reaching worldwide stardom they would begin a downfall that would cast a full eclipse on their meteoric rise to fame. Directed by Brian Harrison who, as a ten year old in 1983, watched on television as wrestling's world of staged combat between good and evil took a sharp turn into a surreal and tragic reality.
Heroes of World Class
2006
1990s · 6 titles
6.0Terror rules the ring as Sid Vicious challenges Sting for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Lex Luger defends the United States Championship against Stan Hansen. Doom defends the NWA Tag Team Championship against Ric Flair & Arn Anderson. The Steiner Brothers battle The Nasty Boys.
WCW Halloween Havoc 1990
1990
7.7Sting battles Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Doom defends the NWA Tag Team Championship against The Rock 'N' Roll Express. The Steiner Brothers clash with The Fabulous Freebirds. Plus, Big Van Vader, The Four Horsemen, and more.
WCW The Great American Bash 1990
1990
8.0The Four Horsemen battle Sting, Brian Pillman, and The Steiner Brothers in a WarGames Cage Match. The Fabulous Freebirds face Doom for the WCW World Tag Team Championship. Stan Hansen battles Big Van Vader. Lex Luger faces Danny Spivey. Plus, Dustin Rhodes and much more.
WCW WrestleWar 1991
1991
10.0Documentary on legendary Houston Wrestling Promoter Paul Boesch produced and aired in 1994 on Houston Channel 39 KHTV.
The Life And Times of Paul Boesch
1994
NRClash of the Champions XI took place on June 13, 1990 in Charleston, South Carolina. There were 4100 fans in attendance at the McAlister Field House on the campus of The Citadel and the show drew a 4.1 rating on TBS. This was the build up show for The Great American Bash.
NWA Clash of the Champions XI: Coastal Crush
1990
7.0"The Franchise" Shane Douglas defends the ECW World Heavyweight Championship against Al Snow. Long time rivals face off for the ECW Television Championship when Sabu collides with Rob Van Dam. Tommy Dreamer & Sandman join forces to take on The Dudley Boyz. Bam Bam Bigelow battles New Jack. Plus, Justin Credible, Lance Storm, and more!
ECW Wrestlepalooza 1998
1998
1980s · 41 titles
6.6The first annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view event taking place on March 31, 1985, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The show featured nine professional wrestling matches with the main event match pitting Hulk Hogan and Mr. T against Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff.
WrestleMania
1985
6.6Twenty top Superstars compete in the first-ever Royal Rumble match. See all your favorites including Bret "The Hitman" Hart, The Ultimate Warrior, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, "The Natural" Butch Reed and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan compete in the over-the-top-rope elimination match. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat faces "Ravishing" Rick Rude and much more!
WWE Royal Rumble 1988
1988
6.4Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper in a Boxing match Battle Royal featuring superstars and athletes from the WWF and NFL Hulk Hogan (c) vs. King Kong Bundy in a Steel Cage match for the WWF Championship
WrestleMania II
1986
8.0The Machines & Capt. Lou Albano battle Big John Studd, King Kong Bundy & Bobby Heenan. Junkyard Dog takes on "Adorable" Adrian Adonis. Magnificent Muraco faces King Tonga. The Killer Bees take on The Funks. Hulk Hogan defends the WWE Championship against "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff. Ricky Steamboat faces Jake Roberts in a Snake Pit Match.
WWE The Big Event
1986
7.4Hulk Hogan goes up against André the Giant for the WWE Championship, while Randy "Macho Man" Savage battles Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at The Pontiac Silverdome in suburban Detroit, Michigan.
WWE WrestleMania III
1987
7.3WWE SummerSlam was the first annual SummerSlam professional wrestling pay-per-view event. It was produced by the World Wrestling Federation and took place on August 29, 1988 in Madison Square Garden, located in New York, New York. The PPV was created to help the company compete against rival promotion World Championship Wrestling. It was one of the first four annual pay-per-view events produced by the WWF. The main match of the preliminary bouts was the WWF Intercontinental Championship match between The Ultimate Warrior and the reigning champion The Honky Tonk Man. The Ultimate Warrior won the match in approximately thirty seconds to end the longest Intercontinental Championship reign. The main event was a match pitting The Mega Powers (Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage) against their long-time rivals, The Mega Bucks (Ted DiBiase and André the Giant). Hogan and Savage won the match after Miss Elizabeth distracted the special guest referee by removing her skirt to reveal a bikini bottom.
WWE SummerSlam 1988
1988
6.0WWE Superstars from all ends of the spectrum, including George The Animal Steele, Andre the Giant, Haiti Kid, Mad Dog Vachon, the Missing Link, Ivan Putski, Ken Patera and other unusual competitors.
Wrestling's Biggest, Smallest, Strangest, Strongest!
1985
NRHost Gorilla Monsoon takes a look back at some of the most bitter rivalries in WWE history, including Tito Santana facing Greg "The Hammer" Valentine in a steel cage and a vicious match between Bruno Sammartino and "Superstar" Billy Graham.
WWE Grudge Match
1986
7.2WrestleMania IV was the fourth annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). It took place on March 27, 1988 at the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The main event was the finals of a fourteen-man tournament for the undisputed WWF Championship, where Randy Savage defeated Ted DiBiase to win the vacant title. The main matches on the undercard were a twenty-man battle royal won by Bad News Brown, Demolition (Ax and Smash) versus Strike Force (Tito Santana and Rick Martel) for the WWF Tag Team Championship, Brutus Beefcake versus The Honky Tonk Man for the WWF Intercontinental Championship and a 14-man tournament for the vacated WWF Championship.
WWE WrestleMania IV
1988
6.2Hulk Hogan defends the WWE Championship against "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Plus, a gigantic 16 Superstar Tournament. First round matches include Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs. Davey Boy Smith, The Junkyard Dog vs. The Iron Sheik, Paul Orndorff vs. Bob Orton Jr., "Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Ivan Putski, and more.
The Wrestling Classic
1985
9.0Jesse "The Body" Ventura takes the WWE Universe on a trip down memory lane with some of the wildest matches in history; this presentation features everything from battle royals and lumberjack matches to an unforgettable bout inside a steel cage.
Most Unusual Matches
1985
NRBob Uecker hosted this show in the mid to late 1980's, featuring sports bloopers and comedy with Mr. Baseball himself.
Bob Uecker's Wacky World of Sports
1987
NRProfiling one of the wildest creatures ever to roar with this home video classic highlighting the amazing story of George "The Animal" Steele; a wildly popular figure in the 1980s, Steele drew attention for his feud with "Macho Man" Randy Savage.
George "The Animal" Steele
1987
NRThe biggest superstars in WWE in their greatest moments!
The Best of the WWF: volume 11
1987
NRHere is the legendary Bob Uecker hamming it up, commentating on sports bloopers and other sports-related skits for 30 straight minutes!
Bob Uecker's Wacky World of Sports
1985
NRWCW Clash of The Champions IV took place on December 7, 1988 at the UTC Arena in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There were 8000 people in attendance and the show drew a 4.5 rating on TBS. This show set up Starrcade '88: True Gritt. It was on this show that TBS/NWA experimented with a top down camera angle, which did not catch on. This is comparable to the "refer-eye" camera from Halloween Havoc '91. This is the very first supershow held by World Championship Wrestling.
NWA Clash of The Champions IV: Season's Beatings
1988
NRHosts Craig DeGeorge and "Luscious" Johnny V take a look at the career of Jake "The Snake" Roberts; from Junkyard Dog and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat to The Honky Tonk Man and Kamala, Roberts takes to the ring against WWE's finest.
Jake "The Snake" Roberts
1987
10.0Hilarious mistakes, miscues, and other annoying curve balls perpetrated by various WWE Superstars of the 1980s; host "Mean" Gene Okerlund presents a variety of funny incidents that found their way to national television.
Wrestling's Most Embarrassing Moments
1987
NRSee the WWF's stars in some of the most unusual matches.
The WWF's Even More Unusual Matches
1987
NRThe best of the WWE superstars in and out of the ring brought to you by Coliseum Home Video!
The Best of the WWF: volume 9
1986
NRThe best of WWE action from across the globe!
The Best of the WWF: volume 16 Around the World
1988
WWE's biggest superstars converge in the Lone Star State for some incredible mat action. Features WWE Champion Hulk Hogan taking on The One Man Gang for the gold.
WWE Houston Wrestling: The Paul Boesch Retirement Show
1987
NRThe power of the WWE superstars comes into your living room from Coliseum Home Video!
The Best of the WWF: volume 10
1987
NRThe WWE superstars in their most exciting matches!
The Best of the WWF: volume 8
1986
Catch all the excitement and action as WWE's most powerful superstars take to the ring. Featuring a WWE Championship between Hulk Hogan and Big John Studd.
WWE Wrestling at The Meadowlands: December '84
1984
NRRic Flair and Ricky Steamboat add another chapter to their storied history in this epic battle from 1984.
NWA Boogie Jam
1984
NRFeaturing footage from Wrestlemania 2, a "Manager of the Year" ceremony, "Macho Man" Randy Savage's introduction of his new manager (Miss Elizabeth) and matches including Nikolai Volkoff vs George "The Animal" Steele and Captain Lou Alabano & Afa the Samoan vs Andre the Giant & Pedro Morales! Additionally, there are appearances by Cyndi Lauper, Mr. Fuji, The Grand Wizard, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Jimmy "Mouth of the South" Hart, "Luscious" Johnny Valiant, "Classy" Freddie Blassie & much more!
The WWF's Amazing Managers
1985
WWE's biggest superstars converge in the Lone Star State for some incredible mat action. Features a rematch for the WWE Championship between Hulk Hogan and "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff inside a steel cage.
WWE Houston Wrestling: November '86
1986
Kerry Von Erich and Michael Hayes clash in a steel cage in a loser leaves town match.
WCCW Thanksgiving Star Wars '83
1983
The biggest superstars in WWE head to the great white north for some incredible action. Featuring "Ravishing" Rick Rude and "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff in a battle of the bodies.
WWE Maple Leaf Wrestling: November '87
1987
NRA genuinely stacked supercard equal to any modern Wrestlemania, held in the 75,500 seat Orange Bowl stadium in Miami, Florida. The main event saw a (kayfabe) $15,000 gold and diamond ring on the line in a best 2 out of 3 falls match between "Nature Boy" Ric Flair and long-time rival "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes.
NWA Lords of The Ring
1984
NRHulk-a-mania is still running wild against his biggest challenger ever.
Hulkamania 3
1988
WWE's biggest superstars converge in the Lone Star State for some incredible mat action. Features a rematch for the WWE Championship between Hulk Hogan and "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase.
WWE Houston Wrestling: December '87
1987
NRColiseum Home Video Exclusives! Rare footage never shown anywhere else!
The Best of the WWF: volume 14
1987
4.0Clash of the Champions V took place on February 15, 1989 at the Cleveland Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio. There were 5,000 people in attendance and the show drew a 4.6 rating on TBS. This show was warm up show for the Chi-Town Rumble PPV only 5 days later.
NWA Clash of The Champions V: St. Valentine's Massacre
1989
The biggest superstars in WWE head to the great white north for some incredible action. Featuring a Steel Cage Showdown between Hulk Hogan and Kamala for the WWE Championship.
WWE Maple Leaf Wrestling: January '87
1987
NRWCW Clash of The Champions VI: Ragin' Cajun took place on April 2, 1989 at The SuperDome in New Orleans, Louisiana. There were 5,300 people in attendance and the show drew a 4.3 rating on TBS. This show was used to build the WrestleWar '89: The Music City Showdown PPV on May 7. Clash VI was held on the same day as WrestleMania V and on free TV in an attempt to hurt the PPV rating.
NWA Clash of The Champions VI: Ragin' Cajun
1989
The biggest superstars in WWE head to the great white north for some incredible action. Featuring Dory & Terry Funk teaming with their manager, Jimmy Hart, to take on André the Giant & The Junkyard Dog in a Handicap Tag Team Grudge Match.
WWE Maple Leaf Wrestling: March '86
1986
7.0The Fantastics defend the United States Tag Team Championship against Kevin Sullivan & Steve Williams. Jim Cornette leads the Midnight Express against Paul E. Dangerously's Original Midnight Express. Ric Flair defends the NWA World Championship against Lex Luger. The Road Warriors defend the NWA Tag Team Championship against Sting & Dusty Rhodes.
NWA Starrcade 1988
1988
The biggest superstars in WWE head to the great white north for some incredible action. Featuring Hulk Hogan and The Junkyard Dog in a tag team battle with Big John Studd & King Kong Bundy.
WWE Maple Leaf Wrestling: May '86
1986
The first annual David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas features David's brother Kerry Von Erich battling Ric Flair for The NWA World's Heavyweight Championship.
WCCW Parade of Champions
1984
Series credits
7.2WWE's flagship show of the early-90s featuring great in-ring action, news from the world of sports-entertainment, and more.
WWF Superstars
1986
6.8The biggest WWE Superstars of the late 1980s and early '90s settle their differences in the ring on "Wrestling Challenge"; featuring exciting matches and memorable interviews, this weekly television series captures an important era of WWE history.
WWF Wrestling Challenge
1986
NRMid-South Wrestling was one of the most successful wrestling territories in the 1981s; featuring future WWE Hall of Famers.
Mid-South Wrestling
1981
NRMid-South Wrestling was one of the most successful wrestling territories in the 1981s; featuring future WWE Hall of Famers.
Mid-South Wrestling
1981
NRMid-South Wrestling was one of the most successful wrestling territories in the 1981s; featuring future WWE Hall of Famers.
Mid-South Wrestling
1981
NRMid-South Wrestling was one of the most successful wrestling territories in the 1981s; featuring future WWE Hall of Famers.
Mid-South Wrestling
1981
NRShowcasing incredible in-ring action and unforgettable interviews, this weekly television series features a who's who of WWE Hall of Famers.
NWA World Championship Wrestling
1985
8.3A professional wrestling television program produced by the World Wrestling Federation banner on NBC airing in place of Saturday Night Live. The series was made up entirely of star vs. star bouts in a time when weekly programming consisted primarily of established stars dominating enhancement talent.
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event
1985
NRFrom the Sportatorium comes the groundbreaking sports-entertainment brand World Class Championship Wrestling, featuring legendary competitors such as The Von Erichs, Bruiser Brody, The Fabulous Freebirds and more.
World Class Championship Wrestling
1982
NRDiscover rarely-seen matches from the 1970s, '80s, and '90s featuring countless WWE Hall of Famers such as Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair.
WWE Old School
1973
NRDiscover rarely-seen matches from the 1970s, '80s, and '90s featuring countless WWE Hall of Famers such as Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair.
WWE Old School
1973
8.3Finding truth at the intersection of fantasy and reality in the veiled world of professional wrestling.
Dark Side of the Ring
2019
NRAt a time when matches between big-name Superstars are usually only seen on pay-per-view, WCW presents Clash of the Champions on free TV.
Clash of the Champions
1988
NRAt a time when matches between big-name Superstars are usually only seen on pay-per-view, WCW presents Clash of the Champions on free TV.
Clash of the Champions
1988
9.0Hosts Vince McMahon and Lord Alfred Hayes welcome the popular WWE Superstars and feature entertaining segments in WWE's original talk show.
Tuesday Night Titans
1984
9.0Hosts Vince McMahon and Lord Alfred Hayes welcome the popular WWE Superstars and feature entertaining segments in WWE's original talk show.
Tuesday Night Titans
1984
NRWCW Arena Shows takes you into the heart of classic professional wrestling, featuring intense matches, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments that defined a golden era of the sport.
WCW Arena Shows
1983

