Robert Alexander "Jeep" Swenson, Jr. (January 5, 1957 – August 18, 1997) was an American professional wrestler, stuntman, and actor.
Career[]
Swenson wrestled for World Class Championship Wrestling in 1987 and 1988 for manager Gary Hart. His main feud was with Bruiser Brody, who was wrestling as the masked "Red River Jack". According to Swenson, he had the largest biceps in the world at that time. He was billed as being from South Africa, although he was an American.
Swenson returned to wrestling for a match at World Championship Wrestling's Uncensored pay-per-view on March 24, 1996. He performed as a member of the "Alliance to End Hulkamania". Swenson was originally named The Final Solution, but following complaints from Jewish organizations to the Turner corporate offices, his character was renamed The Ultimate Solution. WCW claimed they were unaware that The Final Solution was the name Adolf Hitler gave to his plan to destroy the Jews. The Alliance comprised the Dungeon of Doom and the Four Horsemen, and they posed to end Hulk Hogan's career.
Swenson also had a short career as a professional boxer. Jeep won his first two bouts by knockouts but his third fight was stopped in round one after getting knocked down twice by Frankie Garcia in his pro debut. Swenson had boxed as an Amateur middleweight. The 6' 4", 405 lb. Swenson appeared as pit fighter "Lugwrench" Perkins in the 1989 Hulk Hogan film No Holds Barred. He also played James Caan's bodyguard Bledsoe in the Adam Sandler film Bulletproof, before playing possibly his best known character Bane in the 1997 film Batman & Robin.
Personal life[]
Swenson was born in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of Patricia Maxine (née Wells) and Robert Alexander Swenson, Sr. Swenson was married to Erin Hillsman. The couple had a daughter named Kayleigh.
Death[]
On August 18, 1997, Swenson died of heart failure at the UCLA Medical Center. He was only 40 years old. Hulk Hogan and James Caan gave eulogies at Swenson's funeral. That service was followed by cremation.