One of the most beloved and successful men in the history of Mid-South Wrestling was the Junkyard Dog. JYD combined tough wrestling style and attitude with an undeniable charisma. JYD had that intangible factor that drove fans wild. When “Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen came over the sound system the fans’ cheers quickly drowned out the music. JYD had wrestled under his given name Sylvester Ritter and also as Leroy Rochester. He had a good deal of success in Tennessee and Calgary, but his run in Mid-South Wrestling was off the charts in comparison. Mid-South promoter Bill Watts has taken criticism in many circles over his views on race, but regardless of his motives or attitudes no one can deny the fact that Junkyard Dog was pushed to a level comparable only to Bobo Brazil. Even then few if any Black wrestlers had ever been pushed as hard and as long as JYD was in a Southern based promotion. Junkyard Dog truly cut across demographic lines with his fan base and in many ways was a pioneer. Fans ultimately loved JYD because he faced down and defeated any heel that tried to run roughshod over Mid-South Wrestling. JYD teamed with many stars during his career such as Andre The Giant, Dusty Rhodes, and Mil Mascaras. JYD always stood at the same level of stardom as his famous partner and was always treated as a major superstar when he ventured to World Class, Georgia, Memphis, and other promotions. Junkyard Dog truly stood as one of the major stars of professional wrestling in the early to mid 1980s. His record in Mid-South is unparalleled. He held the North American Heavyweight Title 4 times, the Mid-South Tag Team Title 8 times with various times with several partners, the Louisiana Heavyweight Title 3 times, and the Mississippi Heavyweight Title 1 time. That’s one hell of a record. Needless to say JYD faced to many opponents and many intense feuds. Really there are too many cover them all, but here are some of the most memorable.