Tatanka (born Christopher Chavis on June 8, 1961), is a Native American professional wrestler best known for his work with World Wrestling Entertainment 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. is the 159th day of the year (160th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1961 (MCMLXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Pembroke is a town located in Robeson County, North Carolina. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 159th day of the year (160th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1961 (MCMLXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the people indigenous to the United States. ... For the video game, see Pro Wrestling (video game). ... World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Lakota (also Lakhota, Teton, Teton Sioux) is the largest of the three languages of the Sioux, of the Siouan family. ... The Lumbee are a Native American tribe of North Carolina, though their origins are disputed. ...

Career

Early career

Chavis startedcompeting 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. Powerlifting is a strength sport, consisting of three events: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. ... Professional Bodybuilder Gustavo Badell posing Bodybuilding is the process of maximizing muscle hypertrophy through the combination of weight training, sufficient caloric intake, and rest. ...

From 1985 to 1990 he worked for Bally's Health and Tennis Corporation. He was quite successful, becoming a Divisional Manager. Year 1990 (MCMXC) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar). ... Bally Total Fitness is an American health club chain with 400 gyms in 70 cities, and claims 4 million customers [1]. The chain has recently opened gyms in South Korea, China & the Bahamas. ...

In 1987 he received many tryouts for the National Football League, from teams such as the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins, and the Los Angeles Raiders. He decided to pursue a career with the Dolphins. Chavis was one of 20 hopefuls offered a deal out of approximately 2,000 tryouts. The Dolphins offered him a free agent contract with the availability to increase after the first year. However, he declined, since his income at Bally's exceeded the value of the contract. NFL redirects here. ... City Miami Gardens, Florida Other nicknames The Fins Team colors Aqua, Coral, White and Navy Head Coach liljimjim Owner Wayne Huizenga General manager Randy Mueller Mascot T.D. League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1966-1969) Eastern Division (1966-1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970-present... City Detroit, Michigan Team colors Honolulu Blue, Silver, and Black Head Coach Rod Marinelli Owner William Clay Ford, Sr. ... For other uses, see Redskins (disambiguation). ... City Oakland, California Other nicknames The Silver and Black Team colors Silver and Black Head Coach Lane Kiffin Owner Al Davis General manager Al Davis League/Conference affiliations American Football League (1960–1969) Western Division (1960–1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970–present) AFC West (1970...

In 1989, Chavis left Bally's to pursue a wrestling career. "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers was his contact into the sport. They met in Florida at a video store while Chavis was looking for wrestling tapes. Rogers had Chavis call Larry Sharpe, who ran a wrestling school in southern New Jersey called "The Monster Factory." Sharpe had previously trained such wrestlers as Bam Bam Bigelow and The Godfather. Tatanka's first match came against Joe Thunderstorm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 13, 1990. After coming back to Buddy Rogers, he took Chavis to George Scott, the booker for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during the 80's Hulk Hogan era. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami metropolitan area Area  Ranked 22nd  - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] km²)  - Width 361 miles (582 km)  - Length 447 miles (721 km)  - % water 17. ... “NJ” redirects here. ... Scott Charles Bigelow (September 1, 1961 – January 19, 2007) was an American professional wrestler, best known by the stage name Bam Bam Bigelow. ... Charles Wright[1] (born May 16, 1961) is an American businessman and retired professional wrestler. ... For other uses, see Philadelphia (disambiguation) and Philly. ... Capital Harrisburg Largest city Philadelphia Area  Ranked 33rd  - Total 46,055 sq mi (119,283 km²)  - Width 280 miles (455 km)  - Length 160 miles (255 km)  - % water 2. ... January 13 is the 13th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1990 (MCMXC) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar). ... Professional wrestling has accrued a considerable amount of slang, in-references and jargon. ... World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ... Terrence Gene Bollea (born on August 11, 1953) is an American actor and semi-retired professional wrestler better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan. ...

Scott was starting his own promotion called the North American Wrestling Association, later known as South Atlantic Pro Wrestling. Chavis 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. Not long after, he was signed to a WWF contract. Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) is a professional wrestling magazine. ... Ken Shamrock (born Kenneth Wayne Kilpatrick on February 11, 1964 in Macon, Georgia) is an American mixed martial arts fighter. ...

World Wrestling Federation (1991-96)

Chavis made his debut into the WWF in 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. 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. Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... Rick Martel (born Richard Vigneault on March 18, 1956 in Quebec City, Quebec) is a former Québécois professional wrestler, best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) between 1980 and 1995. ... Michael Shawn Hickenbottom (born July 22, 1965) is an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Shawn Michaels. ... The Lumbee are a Native American tribe of North Carolina, though their origins are disputed. ...

Tatanka was honored by previous Native American professional wrestlers Chief Jay Strongbow and Chief Wahoo McDaniel and Lumbee tribesman Ray Littleturtle on an edition of RAW. Littleturtle presented him with a full length Lumbee tribe Chief Headdress. Tatanka engaged in a storyline feud with Irwin R. Schyster, who insisted he pay a gift tax on the item, while Tatanka insisted his Lumbee heritage afforded him tax deductible privileges. Strongbow briefly served as Tatanka's mentor and manager during the duration of the feud. Chief Jay Strongbow. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Lumbee are a Native American tribe of North Carolina, though their origins are disputed. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Lawrence Michael (Mike) Rotunda (born March 30, 1958), also known as Captain Mike Rotundo and Irwin R. Schyster, is a former American professional wrestler. ...

On September 28, 1993 he suffered his first defeat, losing to Ludvig Borga. After the match, he was attacked by WWF Champion Yokozuna, and was subsequently out of action for three months. When he returned, he received his only WWF Championship match, losing to Yokozuna. After years as a face, he turned heel against Lex Luger at SummerSlam 1994, joining Ted DiBiase's Million Dollar Corporation. is the 271st day of the year (272nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Tony Christian Halme (born January 6, 1963) is a former member of the Finnish Parliament, representing the True Finns party. ... The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Championship is a professional wrestling world championship in World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Rodney Anoai (October 2, 1966 – October 23, 2000) was a Samoan-American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Yokozuna. ... Lawrence (Larry) Wendell Pfohl (born June 2, 1958) better known by his ring name Lex Luger, is an American former bodybuilder, professional wrestler and football player. ... SummerSlam 1994 was the seventh annual SummerSlam professional wrestling pay-per-view event from the World Wrestling Federation. ... This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ... Million Dollar Corporation was a heel stable in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from April 1994 to May 1996 and was led and managed by the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase. ...

In 1996, Tatanka left the WWE, citing family and spiritual issues. Since the WWE workload at the time topped 300 shows a year, Chavis had little time for his family. At the time, the WWF and major rival World Championship Wrestling (WCW) were in a major talent war, and WCW President Eric Bischoff offered him a lucrative deal, but Chavis declined. He continued to appear for independent promotions, which allowed him to continue to wrestle while maintaining a lighter schedule. For the Australian professional wrestling promotion, see World Championship Wrestling (Australia). ... Eric Aaron Bischoff (born May 27, 1955[1]), is a former professional wrestling booker and on-screen personality, most known for serving as President of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and later on-air General Manager of World Wrestling Entertainments RAW brand. ...

Return to WWE (2005-2007)

On August 1, 2005 Chavis returned to RAW, which was intended to be a special one-time appearance to face Eugene in the "Eugene Invitational", a 3-minute match with Kurt Angle's Olympic gold medal on the line. Tatanka lost the match when Angle attacked Eugene with 27 seconds remaining, causing a disqualification. He mentioned on his website afterward that he loved being back in a WWE ring and hoped someday to return. is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Nicholas David Dinsmore (born December 17, 1975 in Jeffersonville, Indiana), is an American professional wrestler who is best known for his gimmick of Eugene in World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Kurt Steven Angle (born December 9, 1968) is an American professional wrestler and former Olympic amateur wrestler. ...

Chavis returned to a full-time schedule for World Wrestling Entertainment as Tatanka at the tail end of 2005, debuting at a December 27 house show, teaming with Shelton Benjamin in a win over Carlito and Jonathan Coachman. He returned to television in the Royal Rumble match at the January 2006 event, where he was eliminated by Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro. The next month he began appearing on Velocity before being moved full time to the SmackDown! brand. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ... December 27 is the 361st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (362nd in leap years). ... WWE RAW Brand house show from the Continental Airlines Arena on December 28, 2006 A house show is a professional wrestling show run by a major promotion (such as WWE or TNA), that is not televised or taped. ... A professional wrestling tag-team consists of two or occasionally three wrestlers who are working together as a team. ... Shelton Benjamin[2] (born July 9, 1975)[2] is an American professional wrestler and former amateur wrestler signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) working on its RAW brand as one half of The Worlds Greatest Tag Team with Charlie Haas. ... “Carlito” redirects here. ... Jonathan Coachman (born August 12, 1973) also known as The Coach is an American professional wrestling personality, college wrestler, basketball player, and football play-by-play announcer and color commentator, as well an occasional wrestler working for World Wrestling Entertainment on the RAW brand where he is Vince McMahons... This article is about the professional wrestling pay-per-view event. ... Royal Rumble 2006 was the nineteenth annual Royal Rumble professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). ... Adam Birch (born July 18, 1979), is an American professional wrestler working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. ... John Randall Hennigan[7] (born October 3, 1979),[8] is an American professional wrestler better known by his former ring name Johnny Nitro. ... WWE Velocity, also known as simply Velocity, was a professional wrestling television program for World Wrestling Entertainment , that replaced two syndicated WWE shows, Jakked and Metal. ... For the video game series based on the show, see WWE SmackDown! (video game series). ... The logo for the 2007 WWE Draft The World Wrestling Entertainment Brand Extension was a device first used in 2002 by said professional wrestling organization as a means of providing separate brands of wrestling through its two top shows, RAW and SmackDown!, with the addition of ECW in 2006. ...

As a face, Chavis teamed with Matt Hardy to defeat MNM, the Tag Team Champions, in a non title match at No Way Out. They were granted a title shot on the next edition of SmackDown!, but lost. In professional wrestling, a face or babyface is a character who is portrayed as heroic relative to the heel wrestlers, who are analagous to villains. ... Matthew Moore Matt Hardy (born September 23, 1974)[2] is an American professional wrestler, currently working for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on their SmackDown![1] brand, where he is one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions along with his onscreen rival, Montel Vontavious Porter. ... MNM was a professional wrestling stable in World Wrestling Entertainment that consisted of Joey Mercury (previously Joey Matthews), Johnny Nitro, and manager/valet Melina Perez. ... This article is about the tag team championship that is currently defended on the SmackDown! brand of WWE. For the original WWE Tag Team Championship that is currently defended on the RAW brand, see World Tag Team Championship (WWE). ... No Way Out is a professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). ...

On the April 28 SmackDown! a vignette played announcing that "a new warrior would soon be forged in Tatanka." Over the next three weeks footage aired of Tatanka being (legitimately) initiated into the Lakota tribe, which is considered a huge honor. When he returned to wrestling Tatanka defeated Simon Dean with his new finisher, "Wykea" (from the Lakota word for "Thunder"). is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Professional wrestling has accrued a considerable amount of slang, in-references and jargon. ... -1... Eddie Plenty Holes, a Sioux Indian photographed about 1899. ... Michael Bucci (born June 5, 1972) is a professional wrestler. ...

Tatanka engaged in a mini-feud with Sylvan Grenier, trading victories with him, before he was moved into an angle where he entered into a losing streak due to, what he perceived to be, bad decision-making by referees during his matches. This escalated until the October 27 SmackDown! when Tatanka, alongside partner Bobby Lashley, lost a match to William Regal and Dave Taylor when Regal pinned Tatanka by illegally using the ropes. After the match Tatanka argued the decision again, this time going so far as to attack the referee, then Lashley when he tried to calm him down. The next week he appeared on SmackDown! with a new style of warpaint, covering the top of his face in black and the bottom in white, and cut a promo on Lashley saying he owed neither him nor the crowd an explanation for his actions. He compared his recent losing streak to the years of persecution that his people had suffered over the years and said that he "called upon his forefathers to unleash a new warrior in [him]". A professional wrestling feud is a staged disagreement between two wrestlers or factions of wrestlers over a purported slight or insult. ... Sylvain Grenier, (born March 26, 1977), is a Quebecois professional wrestler, who is best known for working with World Wrestling Entertainment under the name Sylvan. ... In professional wrestling, an angle is a fictional storyline. ... In professional wrestling a screwjob occurs when a match ends in a controversial finish, often involving cheating or outside interference. ... A professional wrestling referee is the official figure that makes sure that wrestling matches move smoothly in an attempt to maintain kayfabe. ... is the 300th day of the year (301st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Franklin Roberto Bobby Lashley (born July 16, 1976)[2] is an American professional wrestler and former Collegiate amateur wrestler. ... The Blue Bloods The Blue Bloods were a professional wrestling tag team in World Championship Wrestling History The Blue Bloods were formed in 1995 in WCW by Lord Steven Regal. ... In professional wrestling, a promo is short for promotional interview, a dialogue or monologue used to advance a storyline. ...

He was released from the WWE in January 2007, but not before ending his losing streak by defeating Jimmy Wang Yang, his first victory in months. WWE.com noted this event with some very nice parting words: "Tatanka is an accomplished veteran of the squared circle. The Native American made a splash upon his entrance to the WWE in the early 90s, remaining undefeated for 2-years." This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

In wrestling

• Finishing and signature moves

• Wykea Strike (Swinging side slam)
• Trail's End / End of the Trail (Samoan drop)
• Tomahawk Chop (Top rope modified overhead chop)
• Indian Death Drop / Papoose To Go (Fallaway slam)
• Overhead chop
• Running leg drop
• Shoulder block
• Knife edged chop

• Signature taunts

• Rain Dance
• War dance

• Managers

• "Sensational" Sherri Martel
• Chief Jay Strongbow
• Ted DiBiase

Thunder is the sound made by lightning. ... A Powerslam is a professional wrestling body slam move in which the wrestler performing the slam falls face-down on top of his/her opponent. ... Professional wrestling throws are the application of techniques that involve lifting the opponent up and throwing or slamming him or her down, which makes up most of the action of professional wrestling. ... Attacking maneuvers in the kayfabe of professional wrestling are mainly used to wear down an opponent for a submission hold or as a set up for a throw. ... Professional wrestling throws are the application of techniques that involve lifting the opponent up and throwing or slamming him or her down, which makes up most of the action of professional wrestling. ... Attacking maneuvers in the kayfabe of professional wrestling are mainly used to wear down an opponent for a submission hold or as a set up for a throw. ... Sean Waltman performs a leg drop on Shark Boy A Leg drop or Legdrop refers to an attack used in professional wrestling in which an attacking wrestler will jump and land his leg across a fallen opponents chest, throat or face. ... Attacking maneuvers in the kayfabe of professional wrestling are mainly used to wear down an opponent for a submission hold or as a set up for a throw. ... Attacking maneuvers in the kayfabe of professional wrestling are mainly used to wear down an opponent for a submission hold or as a set up for a throw. ... A rain dance being performed in Harar East Ethiopia. ... Hawaiian State Grappling Championships. ... In professional wrestling, a manager is a character who is paired with a wrestler. ... Sherri Martel (born Sherri Russell)[1] (February 8, 1958 – June 15, 2007) was an American professional wrestler and valet, better known by her ring name, Sensational Sherri. ... Chief Jay Strongbow. ... This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ...

Championships and accomplishments

• American Wrestling Federation

• AWF United States Championship (1 times)

• i-Generation Wrestling

• i-Generation Australian 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.

• 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
• UCW Heavyweight Championship - 1 time

Stampede Wrestling is a Canadian professional wrestling promotion based in Calgary, Alberta that for decades produced a weekly television series that is considered the forerunner of todays WWE. // Stampede Wrestling was operated by Stu Hart between 1948 and 1984. ... The Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship is the major title in the Canadian professional wrestling promotion Stampede Wrestling. ... The Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship is the major title in the Canadian professional wrestling promotion Stampede Wrestling. ... The United States Wrestling Association or USWA was a professional wrestling promotional organization based in Memphis, Tennessee. ... The USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship is a professional wrestling championship formed in 1988 when Jerry Lawler defeated Curt Hennig on the 9th May, 1988 for the American Wrestling Association World Heavyweight title and defeated Kerry Von Erich on the 13th December, 1988 for the World Class Championship Wrestling World... The USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship is a professional wrestling championship formed in 1988 when Jerry Lawler defeated Curt Hennig on the 9th May, 1988 for the American Wrestling Association World Heavyweight title and defeated Kerry Von Erich on the 13th December, 1988 for the World Class Championship Wrestling World... Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) is a professional wrestling magazine. ... 1. ... -1...

Personal life

With his wife, Michelle, he has two daughters, Christiana and Rhea, and a son, Joseph Tatanka Chavis. [1] - From 1998 to 2002, he was represented and booked by Vin Gopal, now a Washington D.C. political consultant. Gopal also promoted his columns and articles in the media.

Tatanka appears briefly in the movie Natural Born Killers, as Rodney Dangerfield's character is watching wrestling on TV. For the song, see Natural Born Killaz. ... Rodney Dangerfield (November 22, 1921 – October 5, 2004), born Jacob Cohen, was an American comedian and actor, best known for the catchphrase I dont get no respect and his monologues on that theme. ...

Books

• Christian Wrestlers: Wrestling With God, 2001, by Chad Bonham, ISBN 1-58919-935-9

External links

• NativeTatanka.com (Official Website)