Teil Runnels, the daughter of Dusty Rhodes, is a private individual whose life is intertwined with one of professional wrestling’s most iconic families, the Rhodes family. Born into a legacy of athleticism, showmanship, and emotional storytelling, Teil has often remained behind the scenes, supporting her family while carving out her own life.
From her childhood in Austin, Texas, to growing up alongside her younger brother Cody Rhodes and half-brother Dustin Rhodes, Teil embodies the values of family, humility, and authenticity. This article explores her personal journey, relationships, marriage to Kevin Gergel, involvement in documentaries and AEW, and her life as a mother, providing readers with a detailed, engaging look at a member of the WWE legend family and the Rhodes dynasty.
Bio Details: Teil Runnels
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel |
| Also Known As | Daughter of wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes; sister of Cody Rhodes |
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1982 |
| Current Age | 43 years |
| Birthplace | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Zodiac | Virgo |
| Nationality | American |
| Faith/Religion | Christian |
| Father | Dusty Rhodes (professional wrestling icon) |
| Mother | Michelle Rubio |
| Half-Siblings | Dustin Rhodes, Kristin Ditto |
| Brother | Cody Rhodes |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Kevin Gergel |
| Marriage Date | November 1, 2008 |
| Children | Two: Kellan (son) and Maris (daughter) |
| Residence | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Occupation | Private individual; occasional AEW appearances |
| Known For | Being part of the Rhodes wrestling family and appearing in documentaries |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Estimated Net Worth | Private; closely tied to family wealth and legacy |
| Media Appearances | AEW Dynamite, Rhodes to the Top, American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes |
| Charitable Work | Supports the Dusty Rhodes Foundation |
| Key Personality Traits | Family-oriented, humble, loyal, grounded, emotionally thoughtful |
Early Life, Birth & Family Background
Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel was born on September 12, 1982, in Austin, Texas, into the iconic Rhodes family, known for their professional wrestling legacy. She is the daughter of Dusty Rhodes, a legendary WWE performer and charismatic storyteller, and Michelle Rubio, who provided a grounded, family-focused upbringing.
Teil grew up alongside her younger brother Cody Rhodes and shared a close bond with her half-brother Dustin Rhodes, forming part of a blended family that valued loyalty, faith, and emotional support. Her early years were shaped by the demands of the wrestling world, yet her childhood prioritized family cohesion, Christian values, and a sense of humble authenticity.
Childhood Memories and Growing Up as Dusty Rhodes’ Daughter
Being Dusty Rhodes’ daughter meant that Teil’s childhood was unique, balancing normalcy with the realities of a wrestling household. Her father’s demanding career often brought her into contact with wrestling heritage firsthand, from behind-the-scenes training sessions to touring events.
Despite the limelight surrounding her father and the fame of the Rhodes family, Teil’s early life focused on family cohesion, learning empathy, and supporting her siblings, including her half-brother Dustin Rhodes and Cody Rhodes. Childhood memories often highlight her as an emotionally thoughtful and loyal sister, qualities that she carried into adulthood. These formative years shaped her grounded personality, enabling her to navigate life outside the wrestling industry while remaining an integral part of the Rhodes legacy.
Teil Runnels’ Education and Early Ambitions
Teil’s educational journey reflected both her personal ambitions and the values instilled by her family. She pursued academic interests while staying connected to creative and performing arts, including time spent exploring acting, with ties to institutions such as the Howard Fine Acting Studio.
This allowed her to cultivate personal skills in public speaking and storytelling, complementing the emotional intelligence she developed within her family. Although she did not pursue a professional wrestling career herself, her early ambitions demonstrated a willingness to blend creativity with a supportive role in her family’s endeavors, including assisting in behind-the-scenes initiatives during AEW events or wrestling documentaries. Her foundation in education and arts provided a pathway for private achievements while remaining connected to the Rhodes dynasty’s public image.
Teil Runnels’ Net Worth & Family Wealth
While Teil Runnels has chosen to maintain a private life, much of her public interest comes from her association with the Rhodes dynasty. The family’s wealth stems primarily from Dusty Rhodes’ legacy in the WCW and WWE eras, combined with Cody and Dustin Rhodes’ professional wrestling careers.
Teil’s personal net worth is not publicly disclosed, but her life is undoubtedly influenced by the financial stability and opportunities afforded by the Dusty Rhodes legacy. Beyond material wealth, Teil’s value lies in her role as a family anchor—supporting her siblings and preserving the emotional heritage of the Rhodes family. Her grounded personality and humble approach illustrate that she prioritizes family cohesion and personal fulfillment over public financial recognition.
| Name | Relation to Teil | Profession/Influence |
| Dusty Rhodes | Father | WWE Legend, Professional Wrestler |
| Cody Rhodes | Younger Brother | AEW Star, Wrestling Executive |
| Dustin Rhodes | Half-Brother | WWE Veteran, Wrestling Performer |
| Michelle Rubio | Mother | Family Support, Christian Values |
| Teil Runnels | Self | Private Individual, Documentary Appearances |
Relationship With Her Father Dusty Rhodes
Teil’s relationship with Dusty Rhodes was characterized by warmth, guidance, and emotional closeness. Dusty, known as the “American Dream,” was a master storyteller and charismatic performer in the wrestling world. For Teil, he was not only a public icon but also a personal mentor and emotional anchor.
Their bond centered on mutual respect and family values, with Dusty instilling in her qualities such as loyalty, resilience, and authenticity. He often emphasized the importance of grounding oneself in Christian values and prioritizing family over fame. Teil has recounted that growing up with Dusty Rhodes as her father taught her to embrace humility while navigating a high-profile family environment—a lesson she continues to apply in her private life and public appearances.
Relationship With Her Brother Cody Rhodes
Teil’s relationship with her younger brother Cody Rhodes is one of mutual respect, support, and shared family identity. Cody, also known as the “American Nightmare,” has carried the Rhodes family legacy into AEW Dynamite and various wrestling documentaries, including American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes.
Teil has been a steadfast presence behind the scenes, providing guidance and emotional support. Their sibling bond reflects strong family values and loyalty, illustrating how the Rhodes dynasty nurtures both personal and professional growth. Teil’s ability to balance her private individuality with her role as Cody’s sister showcases her emotionally thoughtful and grounded personality.
Relationship With Her Half-Brother Dustin Rhodes
Teil shares a unique bond with her half-brother Dustin Rhodes, who also became a wrestling star during the WCW and WWE eras. Despite the complexities of a blended family, Teil and Dustin maintained a close, supportive connection.
Their relationship exemplifies the broader dynamics of the Rhodes family, where loyalty, emotional storytelling, and familial respect are prioritized. Teil has often acted as a bridge in family interactions, emphasizing harmony and cohesion. This nurturing role reinforces her reputation as a private individual who is family-driven and deeply committed to maintaining the Rhodes legacy.
Teil Runnels in AEW
Although not a professional wrestler herself, Teil has appeared in AEW Dynamite events and related projects to support her brother Cody and the broader Rhodes family initiatives. Her involvement is typically behind-the-scenes, offering guidance, emotional support, and participation in wrestling documentaries such as Rhodes to the Top.
Teil’s appearances are valued for their authenticity and connection to the Dusty Rhodes legacy, emphasizing family continuity and the heritage of wrestling storytelling. Her contributions, while subtle, highlight her dedication to preserving the dynasty and providing a personal touch to high-profile wrestling projects.
Marriage to Kevin Gergel
Teil Runnels married Kevin Gergel on November 1, 2008, forming a supportive, family-centered partnership. Kevin Gergel has played a significant role in Teil’s life, complementing her grounded personality with shared values of loyalty and family dedication.
Together, they reside in Atlanta, Georgia, where they focus on raising their children, Kellan and Maris. Their marriage exemplifies a commitment to private life and family-driven priorities, allowing Teil to balance her Rhodes family heritage with personal fulfillment. Kevin Gergel’s presence reinforces Teil’s emphasis on stability, Christian values, and nurturing the next generation within the Rhodes dynasty.
Teil’s Life with Her Children
Motherhood has been a central aspect of Teil Runnels’ life. She raises her son Kellan and daughter Maris with the same focus on family values and emotional grounding she received from her parents.
Teil’s approach to parenting emphasizes humility, loyalty, and authenticity, reflecting the lessons imparted by Dusty Rhodes. While she remains a private individual, her children are an integral part of her life, helping her maintain balance between public interest in the Rhodes family and the intimate, nurturing environment she prioritizes at home.
Teil’s Personality
Teil Runnels is widely regarded as a grounded, emotionally thoughtful, and humble individual. Despite being born into a WWE legend family, she has avoided the limelight, choosing instead to focus on family cohesion and behind-the-scenes support.
Fans describe her as a loyal sister and an authentic presence who embodies the principles of the Rhodes dynasty. Teil’s personality blends humility, intelligence, and kindness, making her a key emotional anchor within her family while also inspiring respect among wrestling enthusiasts and documentary audiences alike.
Public Appearances in Documentaries and Media
Teil has appeared in multiple documentaries and media projects that explore the Rhodes family’s influence, including Rhodes to the Top and American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes. These appearances allow fans to glimpse her life and personality while maintaining her private life.
She typically participates in a supportive capacity, offering behind-the-scenes insight and emphasizing the emotional bonds that define the Rhodes family. Through these projects, Teil demonstrates the importance of family-driven storytelling and legacy preservation in the professional wrestling world.
Dusty Rhodes’ Marriages and Teil’s Blended Family
Dusty Rhodes’ family structure included multiple marriages, creating a blended family dynamic that Teil navigated from a young age. This environment required adaptability, empathy, and an understanding of complex relationships, which Teil exemplified.
Her close connections with siblings Cody and Dustin, along with half-siblings Kristin Ditto and others, reflect her commitment to family values and emotional cohesion. Teil’s ability to maintain strong familial bonds in a blended setting highlights her grounded personality and her role as a stabilizing presence within the Rhodes dynasty.
Teil’s Name Meaning & Why It Intrigues Fans
The name “Teil” is distinctive and unique, contributing to her enigmatic presence within the public eye. Fans often express curiosity about its origins, associating it with individuality and a sense of intrigue.
Beyond nomenclature, Teil’s life story—balancing privacy, family loyalty, and occasional public appearances—enhances the allure. Her name, like her personality, stands out as authentic, emotionally thoughtful, and deeply tied to the Rhodes legacy.
Teil’s Career Outside Wrestling
While Teil did not pursue professional wrestling, she has explored acting aspirations, attending training programs such as the Howard Fine Acting Studio. Her career interests remain personal and behind-the-scenes, focusing on family, documentary projects, and charity work through the Dusty Rhodes Foundation. Teil’s contributions reflect a commitment to community support and legacy preservation, demonstrating that influence extends beyond the ring and into cultural, philanthropic, and creative endeavors.
The Dusty Rhodes Foundation
Teil supports the Dusty Rhodes Foundation, which promotes sports training, community support, and wrestling heritage preservation. Through the foundation, she helps honor her father’s legacy, offering young athletes mentorship and training opportunities. Teil’s involvement emphasizes the Rhodes family’s dedication to emotional storytelling, family values, and community engagement, bridging the gap between professional wrestling and real-world impact.
Why Fans Are Interested in Teil Runnels
Fans are captivated by Teil Runnels because she embodies the Rhodes dynasty in a way that is authentic, grounded, and emotionally thoughtful. Her behind-the-scenes support, private life, and commitment to family make her a figure of respect within the wrestling community.
The combination of her lineage as Dusty Rhodes’ daughter, loyalty as Cody Rhodes’ sister, and her own contributions to documentaries and charitable initiatives creates a multifaceted persona that resonates with fans. Teil is admired not for spotlight-seeking but for family-driven values, humility, and authenticity, making her a standout member of a wrestling legacy.
Conclusion
Teil Runnels represents a unique figure within the professional wrestling family world. As the daughter of Dusty Rhodes, sister to Cody Rhodes, and half-sister to Dustin Rhodes, she balances privacy with meaningful engagement in family and community projects. Her life exemplifies grounded personality, family loyalty, and emotional thoughtfulness, all while contributing to documentaries, the Dusty Rhodes Foundation, and supporting the next generation of wrestling talent.
Teil’s story underscores that influence is not only measured by fame but also by integrity, authenticity, and the preservation of family legacy. She remains a captivating figure within the WWE legend family, blending humility, emotional intelligence, and dedication to the Rhodes dynasty.
FAQs
Who is Teil Runnels?
Teil Runnels is the daughter of WWE legend Dusty Rhodes, sister to Cody Rhodes, and part of the famous Rhodes family, known for wrestling heritage.
When and where was Teil Runnels born?
Teil Runnels was born on September 12, 1982, in Austin, Texas, growing up within the WWE legend family and the Rhodes dynasty.
Who are Teil Runnels’ siblings?
Teil has a younger brother, Cody Rhodes, and half-siblings including Dustin Rhodes and Kristin Ditto, forming part of a supportive, family-driven blended household.
What is Teil Runnels’ relationship with Dusty Rhodes?
Teil shared a close, emotionally supportive bond with her father, Dusty Rhodes, learning family values, loyalty, humility, and guidance from the WWE legend.
Is Teil Runnels married?
Yes, Teil Runnels married Kevin Gergel on November 1, 2008, and they reside in Atlanta, Georgia, raising their two children, Kellan and Maris.
Has Teil Runnels appeared in AEW?
Teil Runnels has appeared in AEW Dynamite and wrestling documentaries, supporting her brother Cody and preserving the Dusty Rhodes legacy behind the scenes.
What is Teil Runnels’ net worth?
Teil Runnels’ personal net worth is private, but she benefits from the Rhodes family wealth and focuses on family, legacy, and charitable work.
Does Teil Runnels have children?
Yes, Teil Runnels has two children, a son named Kellan and a daughter named Maris, whom she raises with family values and Christian principles.
What is Teil Runnels’ personality like?
Teil is grounded, emotionally thoughtful, humble, and family-driven, known for loyalty, authenticity, and supporting the Rhodes dynasty without seeking public attention.
What is the Dusty Rhodes Foundation?
The Dusty Rhodes Foundation, supported by Teil, promotes wrestling heritage, community support, sports training, and mentorship while preserving the Rhodes family legacy.
Dome Ellis, the founder of TrueHeartBlessings, a space created to bring faith into everyday moments where hope is needed most. Through heartfelt reflections and soul-lifting blessings, my mission is to share divine encouragement, inspire inner peace, and remind readers that even the smallest moments can carry powerful miracles. Every word I write is rooted in love, faith, and the belief that light always finds its way to those who seek it.