10 of the best wrestlers who never won a World Championship

#8 Junk Yard Dog

Junk Yard Dog

Sylvester Ritter is a true Renaissance man, possessed of both brains and brawn. He held a college degree in Political Science and is a two-time American Football All American. His brief career in pro football was cut short by knee and back surgery, so Ritter turned to wrestling.

As the Junk Yard Dog, Ritter spent some time as a heel, but gradually his sunny personality and good nature earned him babyface status. Arguably the second most over wrestler of the classic era -- preceded only by Hulk Hogan -- Junk Yard Dog would light the world on fire as he danced to rock band Queen's Another One Bites the Dust. JYD's smile was as iconic as his chain and dog collar.

Despite Junk Yard Dog's ability to draw big crowds, he was never given a reign with one of the big belts. Unfortunately, racism was the cause of this, because many promoters believed that fans would reject a black world champion.

Even though JYD was snubbed for a world title, he does possess several notable distinctions. He won the Wrestling Classic, a WWE tournament that many call the first pay-per-view. JYD also won the brutal Bunkhouse Stampede, a precursor to WWE's Royal Rumble match.

Though we lost JYD to an auto accident several years ago, he still warms the hearts of wrestling fans the world over.