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1980s Wrestlers: Where Are They Now

Junkyard Dog 

Junkyard Dog
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If you hear “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen then you know Sylvester Ritter aka Junkyard Dog aka JYD was about the enter the wrestling ring with a chain and dog collar attached to his neck. Starting in 1977 JYD led 80s wrestling scene by being one of the most electrifying and charismatic wrestlers in the country. Peaking early, he was a crowd favorite and regular bodyslammer that molded a path for black wrestlers as he worked hard to become one of the first black wrestlers to be made the undisputed top star of his promotion. 

Forever focused on his family, the birth of his daughter in 1980 made his wrestling storyline and feud with The Fabulous Freebird to hype up the battle! After wrestling through a plethora of leagues from the NWA, WWF, WCW and ending at the independent circuit he retired from wrestling in 1995, but was still very active in the community. Sadly, while driving home from his daughters high school graduation he died in a single-car accident in 1998, leaving a major legacy and memory behind. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2004.


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