Tatanka

Chris Chavis is a retired professional wrestler from the United States who is presently signed to WWE as a legend. He is part of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina. From 1991 to 1996, he wrestled under the ring name Tatanka for the World Wrestling Federation (later known as World Wrestling Entertainment), and from 2005 to 2007, he wrestled under the ring name Tatanka for the World Wrestling Federation (later known as World Wrestling Entertainment). His ring name is derived from a Lakota term that means ““The bison.”

Chavis began his wrestling career by competing in powerlifting and bodybuilding. He came in second place in his first competition, Mr. Virginia Beach. He worked for Bally’s Health and Tennis Corporation from 1985 to 1990, rising through the ranks to divisional manager. Chavis even tried out for the Miami Dolphins before deciding to pursue a career in wrestling. Chavis was introduced to George Scott, the World Wrestling Federation’s booker, who was launching his own promotion, the North American Wrestling Association, through a friend. Chavis wrestled as “The War Eagle” and was named third runner-up for Rookie of the Year in 1990 by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. That year, he was also the South Atlantic Heavyweight Champion.

Tatanka later signed with WWE and wrestled for them for several years. On the independent circuit, he also wrestled. Tatanka had a number of famous feuds over her life. Tatanka appeared backstage on “Old School Raw” in 2010, alongside Ron Simmons, Dusty Rhodes, IRS, and Ted DiBiase, the “Million Dollar Man.” WWE announced in 2015 that Tatanka had been signed to a Legends contract. Tatanka fought as a face in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32 in 2016 and was among the last to be eliminated. Tatanka makes a debut in full ring gear for a special episode of Raw in 2021 called “Night of the Legends.”