T. Hawk and his people were forced off their land by the Shadowloo organization. It was on their former homeland that Bison was to build a North American fortress to further bolster their power and position as a global crime syndicate. After his people are forced to endure much hardships after relocation, T. Hawk swears vengeance, and enters the second Street Fighter tournament in search of its host, M. Bison.

Using his unique blend of powerful and agile Native American wrestling moves and brute strength, T. Hawk made his mark on the lower-level tournament participants, and even befriended Cammy White. However, he was defeated by Ken Masters and thus was eliminated from the tournament. Even though he was beaten, T. Hawk stayed behind for a short time and even helped Cammy break into Shadowloo headquarters. But as they were going after Bison, T. Hawk and Cammy were halted by Sagat. T. Hawk stayed behind to take care of Sagat while Cammy reached Bison, but he was brutally beaten by Sagat and taken prisoner. He was released and sent home by Interpol after the fall of the Shadowloo.