After you remove the bolt, rethread it back on just a few threads. Then grab the wheel with both hands, brace your feet and pull back with one, even, pull. The wheel will pop off and the bolt will not allow it to smack you in the face.
I have removed my steering wheel 3 times and I did it by hand every single time. I'm not the strongest guy in the world, so if I can do it, you can do it.