Teil Runnels: Biography, Family, Husband, Career & Net Worth 

Teil Runnels is the daughter of wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes and the sister of WWE superstar Cody Rhodes. Born as Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel, she chose a private life rather than a full-time wrestling career. Her story includes her early life in Austin, Texas, education, acting training at the Howard Fine Acting Studio, marriage to Kevin Gergel, and life as the mother of Kellan and Maris. It also highlights her brief appearances with AEW, Rhodes to the Top, and American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes, along with her relationship with Dustin Rhodes and Kristin Ditto, support for the Dusty Rhodes Foundation, and her role in preserving the Rhodes family’s legacy while living in Atlanta, Georgia.

Who Is Teil Runnels?

Teil Runnels is an American actress, former wrestling performer, and devoted mother who is best known as the daughter of Dusty Rhodes and the sister of Cody Rhodes. Born into one of professional wrestling’s most respected families, she has always shared a close connection with the industry without making it the center of her own career.

Her full name is Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel, although she is often referred to as Teil Runnels or Teil Gergel. She was born on September 12, 1982, in Austin, Texas, and grew up surrounded by professional wrestling. Despite that environment, she chose to pursue education, acting, and family life instead of following the full-time wrestling careers of her father and brothers.

Although Teil prefers privacy, wrestling fans have seen her during several important family-related productions. She appeared on AEW Dynamite in 2019, participated in the reality television series Rhodes to the Top in 2021, and was featured in the documentary American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes in 2023. These appearances offered viewers a rare opportunity to see the personal side of the Rhodes family and highlighted Teil’s close relationship with her siblings.

Today, Teil Runnels lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and children, balancing family life while continuing to support the Rhodes family’s legacy.

Teil Runnels Biography

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel
Also Known As	Teil Runnels, Teil Gergel, Teil Runnels Gergel
Date of Birth	September 12, 1982
Age (as of July 2026)	43 years old
Place of Birth	Austin, Texas, USA
Nationality	American
Parents	Dusty Rhodes and Michelle Rubio
Siblings	Dustin Rhodes (half-brother), Kristin Ditto (half-sister), Cody Rhodes (younger brother)
Spouse	Kevin Gergel (married in 2008)
Children	Kellan and Maris
Residence	Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Occupation	Former wrestling performer, actress, stay-at-home mother, supporter of the Dusty Rhodes Foundation
Education	Attended college for two years and later studied at the Howard Fine Acting Studio in Los Angeles
Notable Appearances	AEW Dynamite (2019), Rhodes to the Top (2021), American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes (2023)

Early Life of Teil Runnels

Teil Runnels was born on September 12, 1982, in Austin, Texas, during a period when her father, Dusty Rhodes, was already regarded as one of the biggest names in professional wrestling. Growing up in such a well-known family meant that wrestling was always part of everyday life. Conversations about matches, travel schedules, television appearances, and championship opportunities were common within the household.

Despite Dusty’s demanding career, he worked hard to maintain a close relationship with his children. Away from the wrestling arena, he was known as a devoted father who encouraged his children to pursue their own interests rather than feel obligated to follow in his footsteps. This supportive environment gave Teil the freedom to build a future based on her own ambitions instead of public expectations.

Her mother, Michelle Rubio, also played a significant role in creating a stable family life. While Dusty’s career often required extensive travel, Michelle helped provide consistency and support at home. Together, they raised Teil and her younger brother Cody with strong family values that emphasized kindness, humility, and hard work.

Growing up alongside Cody Rhodes created a lifelong bond between the siblings. Although Cody would eventually become one of WWE’s biggest stars, their relationship was built long before championship titles and sold-out arenas became part of his everyday life. They shared a childhood filled with family gatherings, school activities, and memorable moments that shaped their close connection.

Teil also developed meaningful relationships with her older half-siblings, Dustin Rhodes and Kristin Ditto. Despite the age difference, the Rhodes family has always emphasized unity, and the siblings have remained supportive of one another throughout their lives.

Living in the Rhodes household also meant witnessing the dedication required to succeed in professional wrestling. Teil saw firsthand the discipline, sacrifice, and relentless work ethic that defined her father’s career. Those experiences influenced her perspective on success, even though she ultimately chose a different path.

Unlike many children of celebrities who seek public attention from an early age, Teil appeared comfortable staying out of the spotlight. She valued family life more than fame, a decision that would continue to define her adulthood.

Teil Runnels’ Education and Acting Journey

While many members of wrestling families begin training inside the ring at a young age, Teil Runnels took a different direction. After completing her early education, she attended college for two years before deciding to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry through acting rather than professional wrestling.

Her interest in performing led her to the Howard Fine Acting Studio in Los Angeles, where she received formal acting training. The studio is known for helping aspiring actors refine their skills through character development, scene study, and professional performance techniques. For Teil, this education provided valuable experience while allowing her to express her creativity outside the wrestling business.

Although acting opened new possibilities, Teil never sought a full-time career in Hollywood. Instead, she viewed it as an opportunity to develop personally while remaining open to selective projects. Her training later contributed to her natural presence during television appearances and documentaries centered on the Rhodes family.

Choosing acting instead of wrestling also reflected her independent personality. While the Rhodes name carried enormous recognition in sports entertainment, Teil preferred creating her own identity rather than relying on her family’s reputation. She respected the wrestling industry and supported her father and brothers, but she never felt compelled to compete in the ring simply because of her surname.

Her educational journey also demonstrated another important aspect of her character: a willingness to pursue personal growth before entering public life. Rather than rushing into television or wrestling, she invested time in learning new skills and exploring different career possibilities.

Those experiences would eventually prove valuable when she made occasional appearances in wrestling-related productions years later. Although her screen time has been limited, viewers have often commented on her calm confidence and authentic personality, qualities shaped by both her education and her commitment to living life on her own terms.

Teil Runnels and the Rhodes Family Legacy

The Rhodes family has influenced professional wrestling for more than five decades. Few families have produced multiple generations of respected performers while maintaining such a lasting impact on the industry. Although Teil Runnels never pursued wrestling as a full-time profession, she remains an important part of that legacy.

Growing up in the Rhodes household meant witnessing both the rewards and sacrifices that came with a life in professional wrestling. Championship victories, television appearances, and passionate fans were only one side of the story. Long periods away from home, demanding travel schedules, and the physical toll of wrestling were equally familiar. These experiences helped shape Teil’s understanding of the business from an early age.

Rather than feeling pressured to continue the family’s wrestling tradition, she was encouraged to choose a path that suited her own interests. That freedom allowed her to create a life centered on family while remaining closely connected to the Rhodes name. Her occasional appearances in wrestling-related productions have shown that although she stays away from the spotlight, she remains proud of her family’s accomplishments and the values they represent.

Today, Teil continues to support the Rhodes legacy through family events, media appearances, and charitable initiatives connected to her father’s memory. She may not have spent years inside the ring, but her role in preserving the family’s history is equally meaningful.

How Dusty Rhodes Shaped Teil Runnels’ Life

It is impossible to talk about Teil Runnels without understanding the influence of her father, Dusty Rhodes. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers and storytellers of all time, Dusty inspired countless performers with his charisma, creativity, and passion for the sport.

To wrestling fans, Dusty Rhodes was known as “The American Dream.” At home, however, he was simply a father who wanted his children to build meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Teil has rarely spoken publicly about her childhood, but her television appearances reveal the deep respect and affection she continues to have for her father. She has often been described as someone who values the lessons Dusty taught his children, particularly the importance of humility, determination, and loyalty to family.

Dusty’s influence extended far beyond wrestling championships. He encouraged his children to work hard regardless of the careers they chose. Rather than insisting they follow him into professional wrestling, he supported their individual ambitions.

When Dusty Rhodes passed away in 2015, it marked a significant loss for the entire wrestling community. For Teil and her family, it was the loss of a devoted father whose guidance had shaped every stage of their lives. His legacy continues to unite the Rhodes family, and Teil remains committed to honoring his memory through her support of family projects and the Dusty Rhodes Foundation.

Teil Runnels and Cody Rhodes Share a Close Sibling Bond

Among all of Teil Runnels’ family relationships, her connection with Cody Rhodes is perhaps the one most familiar to wrestling fans. As younger siblings growing up together, they shared experiences that shaped both their personal lives and their understanding of the wrestling world.

Before Cody became one of WWE’s biggest stars, he was simply Teil’s younger brother. They spent their childhood surrounded by wrestling while also enjoying the everyday moments that define family life. Their relationship was built on trust, encouragement, and shared memories rather than fame.

As Cody’s wrestling career expanded through WWE, All Elite Wrestling, and eventually his return to WWE, Teil remained one of his strongest supporters. She has celebrated his achievements while respecting his demanding career and the responsibilities that come with being one of wrestling’s biggest attractions.

Their close relationship became more visible during Rhodes to the Top, where viewers saw a more personal side of the Rhodes family. Instead of focusing solely on wrestling, the series highlighted the importance of family relationships, showing how Teil continued to support Cody behind the scenes.

Her appearance in American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes further demonstrated the strength of their bond. By sharing personal memories and family stories, she helped audiences better understand the determination that has defined Cody’s journey throughout his career.

Teil Runnels’ Relationship With Dustin Rhodes

Teil also shares a strong relationship with her older half-brother, Dustin Rhodes. Long before Cody became a main-event star, Dustin had already established himself as one of professional wrestling’s most respected performers.

Known to many fans for his unforgettable Goldust character, Dustin built a career spanning several decades across multiple wrestling promotions. His dedication to the business earned him widespread respect from both fans and fellow wrestlers.

Although Dustin is significantly older than Teil, the siblings have maintained a close family connection over the years. Family gatherings, special occasions, and public appearances have reflected the strong bond shared among the Rhodes siblings.

Like Cody, Dustin has often spoken about the values their father instilled in the family. Those same values continue to connect the siblings, even as each has pursued a different path in life.

Teil Runnels and Kristin Ditto

While Cody and Dustin are familiar names to wrestling audiences, Teil’s older half-sister, Kristin Ditto, has also chosen a life away from the public eye.

Kristin has maintained an even lower profile than Teil, preferring to stay out of media attention altogether. Despite their private lifestyles, the siblings have remained connected through family events and shared memories of growing up within the Rhodes family.

The close relationships among Dustin, Kristin, Teil, and Cody reflect the strong family foundation created by Dusty Rhodes. Even though their careers have taken them in different directions, they continue to support one another during important milestones and family celebrations.

Teil Runnels’ Brief Wrestling Career

Many people assume that Teil Runnels never entered the wrestling industry. While she never became a full-time wrestler, she did spend a brief period participating in professional wrestling through All Elite Wrestling.

Her involvement with AEW came during a period when Cody Rhodes was helping establish the promotion as one of the industry’s leading organizations. Rather than pursuing championships or long-term storylines, Teil’s appearances focused on supporting family-related segments and contributing to the broader Rhodes family narrative.

She appeared on AEW Dynamite in 2019, giving wrestling fans a rare opportunity to see another member of the Rhodes family on national television. Although her appearance generated interest among viewers, it was clear that she did not intend to build a permanent wrestling career.

Unlike her father and brothers, Teil had different priorities. She appreciated the opportunity to participate in family projects while recognizing that the demanding lifestyle of professional wrestling was not the future she wanted for herself.

After becoming a mother, she stepped away from wrestling appearances and focused on raising her children. Her decision reflected the same values that have guided much of her adult life: placing family before public recognition.

Even though her time in wrestling was brief, fans appreciated seeing another member of the Rhodes family contribute to the promotion. Her appearance also highlighted the close bond shared by the siblings during an important period in Cody Rhodes’ career.

Teil Runnels’ Television and Documentary Appearances

Although Teil Runnels values privacy, she has participated in several productions that offer insight into the Rhodes family’s personal life.

One of her most notable appearances came in Rhodes to the Top, the reality television series that followed Cody Rhodes, Brandi Rhodes, and their family. Unlike traditional wrestling programming, the series focused on everyday life, relationships, and the challenges of balancing family with demanding careers.

Teil’s presence added a unique perspective because viewers rarely had the opportunity to hear from members of the Rhodes family who had chosen lives outside professional wrestling. Her thoughtful observations and natural personality helped paint a more complete picture of the family’s close relationships.

In 2023, she appeared in American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes, a documentary chronicling Cody’s remarkable journey through professional wrestling. The film explored his determination to establish his own legacy while honoring the memory of Dusty Rhodes.

Teil contributed personal memories that emphasized the family’s unity and the influence their father had on each of his children. Her appearance reminded audiences that behind every successful public figure is a family whose encouragement often plays an essential role.

These selective television appearances have helped wrestling fans become more familiar with Teil Runnels without changing her preference for a private life. Rather than seeking celebrity status, she has participated only in projects that celebrate her family’s story and preserve the remarkable legacy of the Rhodes name.

Teil Runnels’ Marriage to Kevin Gergel

Away from the cameras and the excitement of professional wrestling, Teil Runnels has built a stable and private family life. In 2008, she married Kevin Gergel, beginning a new chapter that has remained largely out of the public eye. Unlike many families connected to the entertainment industry, the couple has consistently chosen privacy over publicity.

Very little personal information about Kevin Gergel has been shared publicly, reflecting the couple’s preference for keeping their relationship away from media attention. Rather than appearing regularly at wrestling events or participating in interviews, they have focused on creating a comfortable home life while supporting the Rhodes family behind the scenes.

Their long-lasting marriage demonstrates the values that have guided Teil throughout her life. While the Rhodes family name attracts significant public interest, she has successfully maintained healthy boundaries between her family life and public attention. This decision has allowed her children to grow up outside the constant spotlight that often follows celebrity families.

Although wrestling fans are naturally curious about her personal life, Teil has remained consistent in protecting her family’s privacy. Her occasional public appearances are usually connected to important family milestones or projects honoring the Rhodes legacy rather than promoting herself.

Teil Runnels’ Children and Family Life

Family has always been at the center of Teil Runnels’ life. Together with Kevin Gergel, she is raising two children, Kellan and Maris, while living in Atlanta, Georgia.

After becoming a mother, Teil chose to devote most of her time to her family. This decision also explains why her involvement in wrestling and television has remained limited. Instead of pursuing greater public recognition, she focused on providing a stable environment for her children.

Living outside the wrestling spotlight has allowed her family to enjoy a relatively normal lifestyle despite their connection to one of sports entertainment’s most recognizable names. While Cody Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes continue to perform before thousands of fans, Teil has embraced a quieter role that prioritizes everyday family life.

Her commitment to motherhood reflects the same values that Dusty Rhodes encouraged throughout his life. Family, respect, and hard work remain central to the Rhodes household, and Teil has carried those principles into her own home.

Although she occasionally attends family gatherings and wrestling-related events, her children are largely kept away from media coverage. This thoughtful approach has helped them grow up with privacy while remaining connected to their family’s remarkable history.

What Does Teil Runnels Do Today?

Today, Teil Runnels leads a fulfilling life focused on family, charitable work, and preserving the legacy of the Rhodes name. She is often described as a stay-at-home mother, but her involvement extends beyond caring for her family.

She continues to support projects connected to the Dusty Rhodes Foundation, helping honor her father’s lifelong commitment to mentoring others and giving back to the community. Although the foundation receives less public attention than the wrestling careers of Cody and Dustin, it represents an important part of Dusty Rhodes’ lasting influence.

Teil also remains a strong supporter of her brothers’ careers. Whether celebrating Cody Rhodes’ championship achievements or recognizing Dustin Rhodes’ contributions to professional wrestling, she has consistently stood beside her family during important moments.

Unlike many relatives of celebrities who actively build social media followings or seek media opportunities, Teil has remained selective about her public appearances. She values authenticity over publicity, choosing to appear only when the occasion has personal meaning or contributes to preserving her family’s story.

This balance between privacy and family involvement has earned her respect from wrestling fans who appreciate her genuine approach.

Teil Runnels’ Net Worth and Lifestyle

Because Teil Runnels has spent most of her life outside the public spotlight, there are no officially confirmed figures regarding her personal net worth. Various online estimates exist, but none have been verified through reliable public records.

Unlike many public personalities, Teil has never built her identity around wealth or celebrity status. Her lifestyle reflects comfort and stability rather than luxury or constant media exposure.

Her brief acting work, limited wrestling appearances, and family-related television projects have contributed to her public profile, but financial success has never appeared to be her primary motivation. Instead, she has focused on maintaining a rewarding personal life with her husband and children.

Growing up in a successful family undoubtedly provided valuable opportunities, yet Teil has consistently demonstrated that personal fulfillment comes from meaningful relationships rather than public recognition.

Teil Runnels’ Lasting Place in the Rhodes Legacy

Although Teil Runnels has never headlined wrestling events or competed for championships, her place within the Rhodes family’s history remains significant. She represents the personal side of one of professional wrestling’s most influential dynasties.

Through her support of Dusty Rhodes’ legacy, encouragement of Cody and Dustin Rhodes, and participation in selected documentaries, she has helped preserve the family’s story for future generations. At the same time, she has remained true to her own priorities by building a life centered on family rather than celebrity.

Her journey demonstrates that success can be measured in many different ways. While her father and brothers earned recognition inside the wrestling ring, Teil chose fulfillment through marriage, motherhood, and supporting the people closest to her.

As interest in the Rhodes family continues to grow, Teil Runnels will likely remain a figure of curiosity among wrestling fans. Her rare public appearances provide valuable insight into one of sports entertainment’s most respected families while reinforcing the importance of staying grounded despite extraordinary circumstances.

Conclusion

Teil Runnels has spent much of her life away from the bright lights that surrounded her father, Dusty Rhodes, and her brothers, Cody Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes. Born into one of professional wrestling’s most celebrated families, she had every opportunity to pursue the same career path, yet she chose something different. Her focus has always been on family, personal growth, and maintaining a private life built on the values she learned during childhood.

From growing up in Austin, Texas, to studying acting in Los Angeles, making brief appearances in AEW, and later becoming a wife and mother in Atlanta, her story reflects independence rather than expectation. While she occasionally appears in documentaries and wrestling-related productions, these moments serve to celebrate the Rhodes family’s legacy instead of seeking personal fame.

Today, Teil Runnels continues to honor her father’s memory by supporting the Dusty Rhodes Foundation and standing beside her family during important milestones. Her quiet presence reminds fans that the Rhodes legacy extends beyond championships and television appearances. It is also built on strong family bonds, mutual support, and the values that Dusty Rhodes passed on to his children.

Even though she prefers life outside the spotlight, Teil Runnels remains an important part of one of wrestling’s greatest families. Her story offers a unique perspective on the Rhodes legacy and shows that living with purpose does not always require living in the public eye.

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