Fleming_Ave that man in question was Carmine Persico who was a top player among the Gallo Bros. and the faction, a group of young upstarts who were incensed by Profaci's extensive tributes demanded to him. Profaci cut a deal with Persico who lured one of the Gallos (can't remember who) to a meeting in a bar he owned and tried to strangle him with a garrote. Unfortunately a cop walked in at just the wrong time and the Gallo escaped, earning Persico the nickname 'the Snake.' That is almost certainly what Profaci was referring to since it was such a famous moment for the future boss of the Colombo crime family (who is the boss to this day, having held the title since 1973).