Emile Dupree Dupree, a promoter for Grand Prix Wrestling in Canada prior to WWE’s expansion in the 1980s and the father of former WWE stars Geoff Dupree and René Dupree died on September 17, 2023 aged 86.
Born Emile Goguen on October 20, 1936 in Shediac, New Brunswick, to Edmond Goguen and Rosanna Goguen, Emile grew up with one brother and three sisters. He was introduced to Vic Butler and Reggie Richard who trained him to become a professional wrestler.
Duprée wrestled for several promotions across North America and even toured Australia and New Zealand. He also wrestled for the legendary Canadian wrestling promotion Stampede Wrestling. Throughout his career, he faced many wrestling legends such as Killer Kowalski, Dusty Rhodes, and the Cuban Assassin1. Duprée’s last name was also spelled “Dupré”1.
In 1977, Duprée founded his own wrestling promotion called Grand Prix Wrestling. The promotion toured across the Maritimes and expanded to Quebec, Ontario, and other places in the Maritimes. It featured notable wrestlers such as Edge, Christian, Killer Kowalski, André the Giant, Randy Savage, Lanny Poffo, Harley Race, and Ric Flair. The promotion was televised and enjoyed significant success until it was acquired by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Dupree leaves behind a legacy in the world of professional wrestling and is remembered as a respected figure in the industry.