The Detroit Tribune

Snyder, Bruiser In Title Match Here

Wilbur Snyder will face the biggest test of his career when he tries again to dethrone Dick the Bruiser as the U.S. heavyweight champion in the all-star wrestling show at the Olympia Stadium Friday, Feb. 5.

The title match tops a tremendous five-bout card. Nick Bock will take on Dr. Big Miller and Verne Gagne will clash with Killer Lisowski. The controversial Shire Brothers, Roy and Ray, will collide with Dick Steinborn and Johnny Weaver. In addition, there will be another match. Every bout is a real headliner. The first match will begin at 8 pm.

The Snyder-Bruiser feud, which has been boiling for months, has exploded into the open again since Snyder intervened to prevent The Bruiser from abusing a fallen foe in a recent studio TV program. Snyder knocked The Bruiser out cold. When he came to, the Bruiser challenged Snyder to get back into the ring with him.

"That was the dirtiest thing I've ever heard of," storms The Bruiser. "Snyder wasn't man enough to meet me openly. He attacked me from behind, and never gave me a chance to defend myself. He's a rotten coward. I'll chase him right out of the Olympia."

Snyder doesn't talk as much as The Bruiser, but he is just as intent upon dealing his adversary a thorough thrashing. He has been clamoring for revenge ever since last June when the Bruiser smashed his head against a ring post, inflicting a severe gash. While Snyder was still dazed, The Bruiser threw him out of the ring. Snyder was carried from the ring on that occasion, and required emergency medical treatment.

"I've challenged The Bruiser dozens of times since then, but he refused to meet me again," says Snyder. "Luck played into my hands in that studio program. I was so incensed at The Bruiser's attack upon a helpless man that I couldn't restrain myself. Before I knew what I was doing, I had gone to the aid of that poor fellow."

"I don't think The Bruiser ever intended to give me another title bout, but he was so mad that he shouted he would battle whoever it was who had assaulted him that night. When he found out it was me, he couldn't back out. He had been shooting his big mouth off on television. He had to go through with the bout."

"I figure this is my last chance to regain the U.S. title, but I know I can do it. The Bruiser wouldn't win a match if he couldn't get away with his fouls. I'm on to him. I'll be ready for anything he tries."