Tatanka
This Native American warrior was a renowned bodybuilder known as Chris Chavis before he entered the ring. After winning several bodybuilding competitors along the east coast of the United States, he trained at Larry Sharpe's Monster Factory.
After appearing in regional promotions, Tatanka joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1992. Pushed by his Lumbee war cry, his opponents knew that when he went on his war dance, it marked the beginning of the end for them. He enjoyed a lengthy undefeated streak where he didn't suffer a loss until September 28, 1993 after Ludvig Borga used a steel on Tatanka's back when the referee was distracted by Mr. Fuji.
Tatanka earned so much respect that Chief Jay Strongbow became his mentor and presented him with a Lumbee tribe chief headdress. Unfortunately, something in Tatanka snapped at SummerSlam 1994 when he turned on Lex Luger and joined the Million Dollar Corporation.
Tatanka left the WWF in the summer of 1995, citing family and spiritual issues. At the time, the WWF and rival promotion World Championship Wrestling (WCW) were in a major talent war, and WCW President Eric Bischoff offered him a lucrative deal, but declined. He continued to appear for independent promotions, which allowed him to continue to wrestle while maintaining a lighter schedule. He also made a one-night WWF return to appear in the Royal Rumble in 1996.
Following a ten year absence, Tatanka made a spectacular return to SmackDown and for the next year reminded audiences of the warrior he always was.
 TATANKA FEATURES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|