Credit: WWE.com
In the summer of 2007, WWE’s former Tag Team Champion René Duprée was released from his contract, marking the end of his tenure with the company. Despite sporadic rumors about a potential return one notably involving a story that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon personally asked him to come back Duprée has never stepped foot inside a WWE ring since. His departure remains a significant chapter in WWE history, especially given his early prominence in the tag team division.
René Duprée: Early Rise to Tag Team Glory
René Duprée burst onto the WWE scene in 2003 as part of the French-Canadian tag team La Résistance alongside Sylvain Grenier and later Rob Conway. The team gained notoriety by playing arrogant “Frenchmen” antagonists, stirring the crowd with their anti-American promos and antics. Their gimmick made them memorable heels and injected some continental flavor into WWE programming.
As part of La Résistance, Duprée captured the WWE World Tag Team Championship twice. His first title win came in September 2003 with Sylvain Grenier, defeating Kane and Rob Van Dam. Later, he also held the titles with Kenzo Suzuki in 2004– a reign that made him the youngest WWE Tag Team Champion at only age 20. His rise was rapid, appearing on flagship shows like SmackDown! and ECW during WWE’s brand split era and even earning a brief talk show segment, Cafe de René.
Behind the Scenes: The 2007 Release
While Duprée continued showcasing his talent in WWE’s developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling in mid-2007, things abruptly changed. Sources confirm that Duprée requested his own release, which WWE granted on July 26, 2007. This decision stunned fans and insiders alike.
According to a WWE insider familiar with the situation, “René was always passionate about wrestling but felt creatively stifled in WWE at that time. The company was shifting directions, and he decided he wanted to explore opportunities elsewhere rather than wait for a push that might never come” confirming the release was amicable but rooted in career frustrations.
Tensions had mounted as WWE’s tag team division evolved and La Résistance was disbanded, with members released at different times. The backstage environment and creative changes played roles in Duprée’s choice to leave, compounded by personal challenges including a brief setback tied to failed wellness policy tests, which reportedly involved a steroid-related rehabilitation stint.
Vince McMahon’s Alleged Attempt to Re-Sign Duprée
Interestingly, even after his WWE departure, Duprée claimed that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon personally asked him to return. Multiple wrestling news outlets have referenced Duprée’s statements that he was contacted by McMahon. However, despite this potential opening, he declined and continued wrestling on the independent circuit and overseas promotions.
This marks a rare instance where a former WWE star’s release was followed by a direct invite back from the top brass something that often leads to returns or at least a negotiation period. A backstage source remarked, “It’s unusual for Vince to initiate a comeback offer; that shows he valued René’s talent. But René’s priorities and past experiences in WWE made him hesitant.”
Life After WWE: A Successful Independent Career
Since walking away from WWE in 2007, René Duprée has crafted a respectable career across various global wrestling promotions. He competed in Japan’s Pro Wrestling NOAH, worked with major North American independents, and even made appearances in Impact Wrestling. His in-ring style matured, combining power moves with charisma honed during his WWE days.
Duprée’s ability to reinvent himself post-WWE showcases his resilience. While the WWE tag team spotlight no longer shines on him, he remains active and respected in wrestling circles worldwide.