Christopher Chavis, a renowned Native American professional wrestler, has made a lasting impact on the world of sports entertainment, primarily through his tenure with WWE under the iconic ring name Tatanka, spanning a total of five years, from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2005 to 2007.
His ring name, Tatanka, is a testament to his rich cultural heritage, derived from the Lakota language, which literally translates to "bull buffalo". This powerful and majestic symbol is a reflection of Chavis's own strength and resilience, as well as his deep connection to his Native American roots.
Born into a family with a strong connection to the Lumbee Native American tribe, Chavis's ancestry is a source of pride and inspiration for him. Throughout his career, he has used his platform to raise awareness about the struggles and achievements of Native American communities, serving as a role model and advocate for greater understanding and representation.
Chavis embarked on a journey in the realm of physical prowess, initially venturing into the realms of powerlifting and bodybuilding, where he achieved numerous accolades, including triumphs in various competitions. In fact, he managed to secure a respectable second-place finish in his inaugural bodybuilding contest, the esteemed Mr. Virginia Beach.
Chavis' professional journey as a Divisional Manager at Bally's Health and Tennis Corporation spanned a period of five years, from 1985 to 1990. During this tenure, he garnered significant attention from esteemed organizations in the National Football League, including the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins, and the Los Angeles Raiders. The allure of professional football was palpable, as he received tryouts from these prominent teams.
In the year nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, Chavis made the pivotal decision to depart from Bally's, opting instead to embark on a career in accounting, a profession that would ultimately shape the trajectory of his life.
It was during this period of professional transition that he had the good fortune of crossing paths with the illustrious "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers, a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling.
Rogers' introduction led Chavis to Larry Sharpe, a renowned wrestling trainer and proprietor of the esteemed wrestling school, The Monster Factory.
Under the tutelage of Sharpe and the Monster Factory, Chavis began his wrestling journey, ultimately making his professional debut as the enigmatic Tatanka, facing off against the formidable Joe Thunderstorm in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 13th, nineteen hundred and ninety.
Chris Chavis, a renowned wrestler, was introduced to George Scott, the influential booker for WWE during the 1980s, who was laying the groundwork for his own promotion, the North American Wrestling Association. This pioneering venture would later evolve into South Atlantic Pro Wrestling.
As Chavis began his wrestling career, he adopted the moniker "The War Eagle" and went on to make a significant impact in the world of professional wrestling. In 1990, he was voted 3rd runner-up for Rookie of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated, a testament to his impressive debut.
Moreover, Chavis achieved a remarkable milestone in his career by defeating the formidable Ken Shamrock to become the South Atlantic Heavyweight Champion. This achievement showcased his exceptional skills and determination, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling world.
Tatanka's professional wrestling career took a significant turn shortly after his initial stint with the WWE, which lasted from 1991 to 1996. He would go on to rejoin the company from 2005 to 2007, marking a notable period of collaboration.
Fast-forward to May 2, 2014, when Tatanka, in a notable achievement, won the DPW Tag Team Championship alongside his partner Rick "The Prick" Dominick. This remarkable feat was, however, short-lived, as they lost the coveted titles to Raven and Demolition Davies on October 18, 2014.
Notably, in the year 2015, the World Wrestling Entertainment organization publicly declared that they had entered into a contractual agreement with the legendary professional wrestler, known as Tatanka, to become an official part of their esteemed Legends roster.
Subsequently, on April 3, 2016, Tatanka took to the stage at the 32nd edition of the annual WrestleMania extravaganza, specifically the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, where he competed as a fan favorite, and impressively, remained one of the last remaining competitors to be eliminated.
