Tatanka (born Christopher Chavis on June 8, 1965), is a Native American professional wrestler best known for his work with WWF from 1991 to 1996 and from 2005 to 2007. His ring name is a Lakota word that literally means "bull buffalo." He is descended from the Lumbee Native American tribe.Chavis started competing in powerlifting, he competed in his first bodybuilding contest, Mr. Virginia Beach, placing second. He won many competitions during his time in bodybuilding, but decided against competing on the national level and possibly turning pro for personal reasons.From 1985 to 1990 he worked for Bally's Health and Tennis Corporation. He was quite successful, becoming a Divisional Manager.In 1989, Chavis left Bally's to pursue a wrestling career.
TATANKA - RARE COLLECTION OF PICS
Chavis wrestled in North American Wrestling Association, later known as South Atlantic Pro Wrestling.He wrestled under the name "The War Eagle" Chris Chavis, and he was voted 3rd runner up for Rookie Of The Year in Pro Wrestling Illustrated for 1990. Also in 1990, he became The South Atlantic Heavyweight Champion by beating Ken Shamrock.
After above, Not long after, he was signed to a WWF contract!!!Chavis made his debut into the WWF in late 1991 under his given name. He took on the name Tatanka soon afterwards. During his WWF run, Tatanka was best known for accumulating a significant undefeated streak nearly two years long, defeating many major names such as Rick Martel and Shawn Michaels and winning the 1992 Bashed in the USA 40-man battle royal. Tatanka was also known for his war dance, the Lumbee tribal war cry that preceded his entrance to the ring, and a red stripe dyed in the middle of his hair.
Statistics:
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Ring name(s) Chris Chavis,Tatanka
Billed height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Billed weight 260 lb (117 kg)
Born June 8, 1965 (1965-06-08) Pembroke, North Carolina
Resides Pembroke, North Carolina
Billed from Pembroke, North Carolina
Trained by Larry Sharpe
Debut 1992
Tatanka left the WWF in the summer of 1995, citing family and spiritual issues.He joined in 2005 and was released from his WWE contract in January 2007. WWE.com noted the last event or fight of his and had these parting words:
"Tatanka is an accomplished veteran of the squared circle. The Native American made a splash upon his entrance to the WWE/WWF in the early 90s, remaining undefeated for 2-years."
Tatanka stated on his official website that he requested to be released and mentioned he was not done with WWE as he would like to return someday.Tatanka is currently wrestling for All Star Promotions in the United Kingdom and plays as a Babyface. He competed in All Star and American Wrestling between August 29 to October 31 2008 in The Tower Circus area of Blackpool Tower.
Championships and accomplishments:
* American Wrestling Federation
* AWF United States Championship (1 times)
* i-Generation Superstars of Wrestling
* i-Generation Australasian Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
* North American Wrestling Association
* NAWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
* South Atlantic Pro Wrestling
* SAPW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
* Stampede Wrestling
* Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
* United States Wrestling Association
* USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
* Pro Wrestling Illustrated
* PWI ranked him # 279 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the PWI Years in 2003
* International Wrestling Superstars
* Wrestler of the Year in 2003
* Other titles
* ASW Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Joe Gomez
* CWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
* IWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
* TRCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[3]
* UCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
* DWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
Ref: Wiki,Official Website
