NativeTatanka.com
Report Last Updated - 12/07
Real Name - Chris Chavis
Birthdate - 6/8/65
6'2" 285 lbs. - Pembroke, NC

Aliases - Chris Chavis, American War Eagle

Athletic background - Football (College), Bodybuilding (Professional)

Teachers - Larry Sharpe (Monster Factory)

Professional background - Indies(`89-`92), WWF(`92-`96), Indies(`96-`05), WWE(`05-`07)

Groups - Million Dollar Corporation

Career Highlights -
- Enters the WWF and begins a lengthy feud over his feathers with Rick Martel
- Defeats Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania IX
- Beats Jerry Lawler for the USWA Heavyweight title
- Turns on Lex Luger and "sells out" to Ted Dibiase's Million Dollar Corporation
- Returns to the WWE at forty and enjoys a nostalgic run in the undercard

Finisher(s) -
- Trail's End (Samoan Drop)

Favorites -
- Tomahawk Chop (Flying or Running Overhead Chop)
- Backdrop
- Suplex
- Stomping in the corner
- Chop

Ringwork Rating -
move set - 5
science - 3
aerial - 1
power - 6
strikes - 6

Intangible Rating -
entertainment - 5
selling - 5
bumping - 5
heat - 6
carrying - 4
push - 4
potential - 2

Outlook - Wrestlers appearing as "Indians" have been a popular attraction in pro-wrestling since it became more theatrical. From Don Eagle to Bull Ramos to Wahoo McDaniel to Jack Brisco to Jay Strongbow, there have been pro-wrestlers with Indian American blood and/or gimmicks and they've been major stars in the business. Chris Chavis comes from the interracial Lumbee tribe of North Carolina and was an excellent athlete in his youth. He found his way into pro-wrestling when big men with great bodies were in and with his natural gimmick, Chavis had a winning combination. He eventually found his way to the WWF, where they kept him undefeated for years, but never pushed him past the midcard. Eventually they turned him and he was a good heel. Tatanka just came in at the wrong time. The company was at its nadir, he wasn't a good enough entertainer for his dated gimmick and the WWF was never able to push him quite right. After leaving and going into semi-retirement, Tatanka continued to appear on indy shows before being brought back for a novelty run.