103. Wilbur Snyder

A former professional Football player, Wilbur Snyder entered the pro wrestling ranks and made a mark for himself almost immediately. Snyder competed primarily in the American Mid West and would eventually buy into the Indianapolis based WWA promotion. While there, he was one of the top draws and constantly was holding championships there. Although he was a former gridiron great, Snyder was a technical marvel and is largely credited with inventing the abdominal stretch. Snyder never really competed under the WWE banner, but every now and then you will hear a commentator refer to the late Snyder when a grappler applies the abdominal stretch. Sounds like an impact to us.

Should Wilbur Snyder be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 85.1%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 0%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 12.8%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 2.1%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: None
Billed From: U.S.A. (Van Nuys, California)
Key Championships Held: NWA (Detroit) United States (5)
AWA World Tag Team (2) 1w/Leo Nomellini, 1w/Pat O’Connor
AWA Indiana Tag Team (2) w/Dick the Bruiser
NWA (San Francisco) United States
NWA International Tag Team w/Danny Hodge
WWA Tag Team (13) 3w/Dick the Bruiser, 2w/Moose Cholak, 1w/Luis Martinez, 1w/Pat O’Connor, 1w/Paul Christy, 1w/Pepper Gomez, 2w/Domenic DeNucci, 1w/Spike Huber
WWA Heavyweight
Why they will get in: He was truly one of the best workers of the 50’s and 60’s.
Why they won't get in: He is largely unknown to WWE fans.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Pinned Verne Gagne for the United States Title (4/7/56)
2. Travels to San Francisco and wins the United States Title over Ray Stevens (4/20/63)
3. Teams with formal rival, Dick the Bruiser to win the AWA Indiana version of the Tag Team Belts (11/5/63)
4. Defeats Mitsu Arakawa for his lone WWA Title (9/30/67)
5. Beats Arakawa at Comiskey Park (8/14/70)