Teil Runnels: The Untold Story of Dusty Rhodes’ Daughter

When people talk about wrestling families, the Rhodes family is one of the most famous. Everyone knows Dusty Rhodes, the “American Dream,” and his sons Dustin Rhodes (Goldust) and Cody Rhodes, who are big stars in the wrestling world.

But not many people know about Teil Runnels — Dusty Rhodes’ daughter.

Teil isn’t in the spotlight like her brothers. She chose a quiet life, away from the ring, cameras, and fame. Still, her story is special, full of family love, memories, and moments that fans don’t always see.

In this article, we’ll explore the untold story of Teil Runnels — her early life, family, dreams, her short time in AEW, and her relationship with Cody and Brandi Rhodes. Let’s get to know this amazing woman and her quiet but powerful role in one of wrestling’s greatest families.

Teil Runnels Quick Bio

 Who is Teil Runnels?

Teil Runnels is the daughter of Dusty Rhodes, a true legend in wrestling. She was born into a family full of stars and wrestlers, but she never followed the same path.

While her brothers, Cody Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes, became well-known wrestlers, Teil stayed behind the scenes. She is known for living a peaceful life, away from fame, and focusing on her family.

Still, fans became more curious about her after she appeared on shows like Rhodes to the Top and American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes. People started asking, “Who is Teil Runnels, and what’s her story?” That’s what we’re here to answer.

Teil Runnels’ Early Life in Texas

Teil Runnels was born on September 12, 1982, in Austin, Texas. She grew up in a busy home where wrestling was always a big part of life.

Her father, Dusty Rhodes, was not just a wrestler — he was a superstar. He traveled a lot for shows and worked behind the scenes, too. Teil said in interviews that as a kid, she always knew her dad worked in “television,” but didn’t fully understand what that meant until she was about five or six years old.

Imagine being a young girl and seeing your dad on TV, getting cheered by crowds, or even getting attacked in the ring. It was a mix of excitement and worry. But at home, Dusty was just “dad.” He liked to joke around, play with his kids, and be a strong, loving presence.

Teil Runnels’ Family and Siblings

Teil comes from a big family with strong wrestling roots. Her father, Dusty Rhodes, was married twice. Teil’s mother, Michelle Rubio, was Dusty’s second wife. Together, they had Teil and her younger brother Cody.

She also has two older half-siblings from Dusty’s first marriage to Sandra Runnels — Dustin Rhodes (known as Goldust in WWE) and Kristin Runnels Ditto, who became a businesswoman.

Even though not all of them chose the same career path, their family connection is deep. They all grew up around wrestling, and Teil was often seen supporting her brothers — even if she wasn’t in the ring.

Her family’s story is full of ups and downs, but they’ve always remained one of wrestling’s most respected and beloved families.

Teil and Cody Rhodes’ Close Bond

Teil and Cody Rhodes have always been close. As the two youngest children in the family, they spent a lot of time together growing up.

After college, Teil decided to move to Los Angeles to try acting. Cody had just finished school and also wanted to try something new, so he joined her. This became a big moment in their lives.

Their dad, Dusty, believed in them so much that he sold his Rolex watch and gave each of them $10,000 to help them follow their dreams. That story shows just how supportive he was.

Teil and Cody took acting classes together at the Howard Fine Acting Studio in LA. They shared a small apartment, supported each other, and worked hard to build new careers. While Cody later returned to wrestling, Teil decided to take a different path.

Teil Runnels’ Acting Dreams in LA

Teil’s time in Los Angeles was full of learning and trying new things. She was serious about acting and took lessons to improve her skills.

She wasn’t trying to be famous — she simply wanted to grow, create, and find something meaningful to do. Cody often speaks with love about those days. They didn’t have much money, but they had big dreams and a lot of heart.

Eventually, Teil realized that Hollywood life wasn’t what she truly wanted. She missed family, stability, and a quieter life. So, she left LA and chose a different road — one filled with love, peace, and purpose.

Teil Runnels’ Time in AEW Wrestling

Years later, Teil joined her brothers for a short time in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). She worked behind the scenes and also appeared in shows like Rhodes to the Top and American Nightmare.

Fans were happy to see her as part of the Rhodes team. Even though she wasn’t wrestling, her presence meant a lot to the family and longtime fans.

But her time in AEW didn’t last long. After the birth of her daughter, Teil decided to step away from the wrestling world again. Her focus became her family — and that’s something she never regretted.

Teil Runnels and Brandi Rhodes

Not everything in Teil Runnels’ life has been smooth. There was once a family misunderstanding between her and Brandi Rhodes, Cody’s wife.

It started when Brandi began using the “Rhodes” name during her wrestling career. Teil felt that Brandi should have asked the family before using it, especially after their father, Dusty, had passed away. Teil even sent a long message to Brandi right before her first live match, saying she didn’t agree with her using the name without talking to them.

Brandi later shared this story in their reality show Rhodes to the Top. She said the message really hurt her, especially on such an important day. Cody also said that some family members didn’t fully accept Brandi at first, but she was part of the family now, no matter what.

Over time, things got better. Teil and Brandi are not super close, but they have learned to get along. Teil later said they tried many times to fix things, and now they are in a better place.

Teil Runnels’ Husband and Married Life

Teil Runnels has been married to Kevin Gergel since November 1, 2008. Kevin works in the business world and, as of 2025, is Vice President of Sales at GoPivot, a company based in Georgia.

The couple has built a quiet and strong life together. They live in Atlanta, Georgia, far from the wrestling world and cameras.

Teil and Kevin have always supported each other. While Teil once tried acting and briefly worked in wrestling, her heart has always been with her family. Their life is calm, loving, and focused on their children.

Teil Runnels as a Mother of Two

Teil and Kevin are parents to two children — a son named Kellan and a daughter named Maris.

After becoming a mom, Teil decided to step back from her work in AEW. She wanted to focus fully on raising her kids, being present in their lives every day.

Teil Runnels may be Dusty Rhodes’ daughter, but to her kids, she’s just “Mom.” She cooks, she helps with school, and she cheers from the sidelines — just like any other loving mother.

Teil Runnels’ Life Now in 2025

So, what is Teil Runnels doing in 2025? She’s living a peaceful and happy life in Atlanta with her family.

She doesn’t appear on TV much, but sometimes she’s seen at big wrestling events, especially when Cody is in the spotlight. She is also part of the Dusty Rhodes Foundation, which helps young people in sports.

Teil has no interest in fame. She loves her simple life — spending time with her kids, supporting her husband, and honoring her father’s memory in quiet, respectful ways.

Final Thoughts

Teil has always been proud to be Dusty Rhodes’ daughter. Even though she doesn’t wrestle, she still plays an important role in keeping his legacy alive.

She has spoken in documentaries, shared personal memories, and helped fans understand the kind of father Dusty was at home — loving, supportive, and a little silly too.

Teil said her dad was more serious at home, but he loved to play pranks and make his kids laugh. She remembers him not just as a star, but as a great dad who always made time for his children.

(FAQs)

How old is Teil Runnels, and when was she born?

Teil Runnels was born on September 12, 1982, which makes her 43 years old in 2025 — older than her brother Cody Rhodes!

Who is Teil Runnels’ husband?

She’s been married to Kevin Gergel since 2008, and he’s now a Vice President at GoPivot, not part of the wrestling world at all.

How many kids does Teil Runnels have?

Teil is a mom of two — a son named Kellan and a daughter named Maris. She left AEW to focus fully on raising them.

Did Teil Runnels ever work in WWE?

Shockingly, no! Despite being Dusty Rhodes’ daughter, Teil never wrestled in WWE, though she did work briefly with AEW behind the scenes.

Is Teil Runnels on Twitter or social media?

No, Teil keeps a very private life — she has no public Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook accounts. She avoids the spotlight completely.