Teil Runnels is an American woman best known as the daughter of legendary professional wrestler Dusty Rhodes and the sister of WWE stars Dustin Rhodes and Cody Rhodes. Although she belongs to one of professional wrestling’s most famous families, Teil has chosen a relatively private life away from the ring. She is part of a family whose influence extends across generations of wrestling history, from Dusty Rhodes’ unforgettable career to Cody Rhodes’ success in modern WWE. Unlike her brothers, Teil has not pursued a widely documented career as a professional wrestler. Her story offers an interesting look at the family behind a major wrestling dynasty. Readers can explore the family’s wrestling legacy through Dusty Rhodes’ Wikipedia biography.
Quick Bio: Teil Runnels
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Teil Runnels |
| Known for | Daughter of Dusty Rhodes |
| Nationality | American |
| Birth date | Not independently verified |
| Age in 2026 | Not reliably confirmed |
| Father | Dusty Rhodes (Virgil Riley Runnels Jr.) |
| Mother | Michelle Rubio Runnels |
| Brother | Cody Rhodes |
| Half-brother | Dustin Rhodes |
| Half-sister | Kristin Runnels Ditto |
| Profession | Not publicly verified |
| Marital status | Reportedly married |
| Husband | Often identified online as Kevin Gergel; not independently confirmed |
| Children | Not reliably documented |
| Famous family | Runnels/Rhodes wrestling family |
| Net worth | Not independently verified |
| Public profile | Mostly private |
Who Is Teil Runnels?
Teil Runnels is a member of the famous Rhodes wrestling family.
She is the daughter of Dusty Rhodes, whose career helped shape American professional wrestling.
Her younger brother, Cody Rhodes, became one of WWE’s most prominent modern performers.
Her older half-brother, Dustin Rhodes, achieved fame under the wrestling character Goldust.
Despite these connections, Teil has not built a major public career in professional wrestling.
She is mainly recognized through her family relationships and occasional appearances in discussions about the Rhodes family.
Her private lifestyle makes her different from relatives who have spent decades performing on television.
Teil Runnels’ Early Life
Teil grew up in a family deeply connected to professional wrestling.
Her father, Dusty Rhodes, was already a recognized performer during her childhood.
His career involved extensive travel, television appearances, and wrestling events across the United States.
Growing up in such a household meant that professional wrestling was an important part of her family’s identity.
However, the details of Teil’s childhood are not extensively documented.
Her exact birth date, birthplace, and early educational experiences have not been reliably established in major public sources.
How Old Is Teil Runnels in 2026?
Teil’s exact age in 2026 is not publicly confirmed.
Several celebrity biography websites publish birth years or ages, but these claims are not consistently supported by dependable records.
Without a verified birth date, it would be misleading to provide a precise age.
Where Was Teil Runnels Born?
Teil was born in the United States, but her specific birthplace has not been independently confirmed.
Teil Runnels’ Parents
Teil’s parents are Dusty Rhodes and Michelle Rubio Runnels.
Dusty was a legendary professional wrestler, trainer, and wrestling personality.
Michelle was his second wife.
They married in 1978 and remained together until Dusty’s death in 2015.
Their marriage lasted approximately 37 years.
Michelle has generally maintained a private lifestyle compared with her famous husband and sons.
Who Is Teil Runnels’ Mother?
Michelle Rubio Runnels is Teil’s mother.
She married Dusty Rhodes in 1978.
Together, they had two children, Teil and Cody Rhodes.
Michelle also became part of the extended family that included Dusty’s children from his first marriage.
Who Was Dusty Rhodes?
Dusty Rhodes was born Virgil Riley Runnels Jr. on October 12, 1945, in Austin, Texas.
He became one of the most influential performers in professional wrestling history.
Known as The American Dream, Dusty was famous for his charisma, emotional interviews, and connection with working-class audiences.
He wrestled for major promotions including the National Wrestling Alliance, Jim Crockett Promotions, World Championship Wrestling, and WWE.
He was also an important creative figure and wrestling trainer.
Dusty died on June 11, 2015, at age 69.
Dusty Rhodes’ Career Highlights
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1945 | Born in Austin, Texas |
| 1967 | Began professional wrestling career |
| 1970s | Became a major wrestling attraction |
| 1979 | Won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship |
| 1981 | Won another NWA world title |
| 1986 | Won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship again |
| 1989 | Joined the World Wrestling Federation |
| 2007 | Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame |
| 2010s | Helped train and develop WWE NXT talent |
| 2015 | Died at age 69 |
Dusty’s legacy remains central to the Rhodes family’s public identity.
Teil Runnels and Her Father Dusty Rhodes
Teil was part of Dusty’s family during the later stages of his wrestling career.
While fans saw Dusty as an energetic television personality, his children knew him in a more personal role.
His professional schedule involved frequent travel and long periods away from home.
However, detailed public accounts of Teil’s individual relationship with her father are limited.
It is reasonable to recognize their family connection without inventing private conversations or experiences.
Did Teil Runnels Become a Wrestler Like Her Father?
No widely documented professional wrestling career is associated with Teil.
She has not become a regular WWE performer or an established wrestler in another major promotion.
Her brothers followed the family profession, but Teil chose a different path.
Teil Runnels’ Siblings
Teil belongs to a blended family with three siblings.
Her brother Cody Rhodes shares both parents with her.
Dustin Rhodes and Kristin Runnels Ditto are her older half-siblings from Dusty’s first marriage.
| Sibling | Relationship | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Cody Rhodes | Younger brother | WWE wrestler and former AEW executive |
| Dustin Rhodes | Older half-brother | Professional wrestler known as Goldust |
| Kristin Runnels Ditto | Older half-sister | Former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and businesswoman |
Each sibling has followed a different professional path.
Teil Runnels and Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes was born Cody Garrett Runnels on June 30, 1985, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He became a professional wrestler and developed a successful career in WWE.
Cody also played a major role in the creation and early development of All Elite Wrestling.
He returned to WWE in 2022.
In 2024, he defeated Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
His success continued the Rhodes family’s wrestling legacy.
Teil is Cody’s older sister.
Teil Runnels and Dustin Rhodes
Dustin Rhodes was born on April 11, 1969.
He is Dusty Rhodes’ son from his first marriage to Sandra McHargue.
Dustin became internationally famous through his Goldust character in WWE.
He also competed under his own name in other wrestling promotions.
Dustin has had a professional career spanning several decades.
Teil is his younger half-sister.
Teil Runnels and Kristin Runnels Ditto
Kristin Runnels Ditto is another child of Dusty Rhodes and Sandra McHargue.
She is known for her connection to the Rhodes family and her work outside professional wrestling.
She previously worked as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.
Kristin has also been involved in business activities.
She is Teil’s older half-sister.
Teil Runnels’ Husband, Kevin Gergel
Teil Runnels is married to Kevin Gergel.
Their marriage is documented in Dusty Rhodes’ obituary, published in June 2015. The obituary identifies Teil as Teil Gergel and lists Kevin as her husband.
Unlike the Rhodes family’s famous wrestlers, Kevin maintains a relatively private public profile.
Detailed information about his profession and early life is limited.
Some online biographies report that the couple married in November 2008, but the exact wedding date is not firmly established through primary records.
Does Teil Runnels Have Children?
Yes. Teil and Kevin have two children, Maris and Kellan Gergel.
Both children were named in Dusty Rhodes’ published obituary.
The family has generally kept their children’s personal lives away from wrestling publicity.
Teil Runnels’ Television Appearances
Although Teil did not pursue a full-time wrestling career, she has appeared in wrestling-related television programs and documentaries.
Her IMDb credits include:
| Production | Year | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| AEW Dynamite | 2021 | Herself, credited as Teil Rhodes |
| Rhodes to the Top | 2021 | Herself |
| American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes | 2023 | Herself, Cody’s sister |
These appearances allowed fans to learn more about her relationship with Cody and the Rhodes family.
Teil Runnels in Rhodes to the Top
Rhodes to the Top was a reality television series following Cody Rhodes and his wife, Brandi Rhodes.
The show explored their professional responsibilities, family relationships, and experiences in All Elite Wrestling.
Teil appeared as part of Cody’s extended family.
One storyline involved tension between Teil and Brandi.
Brandi later acknowledged that their relationship had been difficult.
However, reality television presents selected moments rather than a complete picture of personal relationships.
Teil Runnels in American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes
Teil appeared in the 2023 documentary American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes.
The documentary explored Cody’s wrestling career, his departure from WWE, his involvement in AEW, and his return to WWE.
Teil provided a family perspective on Cody’s life.
Her appearance helped viewers understand his journey beyond his television character.
Teil Runnels and the Dusty Rhodes Foundation
Teil has become involved in efforts to preserve her father’s legacy.
One important example is the Dusty Rhodes Foundation.
The organization reflects Dusty’s interest in helping young people participate in sports.
Its mission has included providing opportunities and support for children who might otherwise face financial barriers.
Teil’s involvement connects the Rhodes family name with charitable activities outside professional wrestling.
This work demonstrates that she has a public role beyond being Cody’s sister.
Teil Runnels and Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling
Teil has also helped revive Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, commonly called TCW.
Dusty Rhodes originally operated the wrestling promotion after his time with World Championship Wrestling.
Years later, Teil became involved in bringing the promotion back alongside wrestler and promoter QT Marshall.
The revived organization held events beginning in 2024.
This project connected Teil directly to her father’s wrestling history.
Although she was not competing inside the ring, she contributed to preserving a promotion associated with Dusty’s career.
Her involvement also continued into 2026, when she participated in interviews discussing TCW and her family’s wrestling legacy.
Teil Runnels’ Relationship With Cody Rhodes
Teil and Cody have a close sibling relationship.
Cody has publicly described his sister as an important person in his life.
Their relationship began long before Cody became a famous professional wrestler.
They grew up together as the children of Dusty Rhodes and Michelle Rubio.
Teil has supported Cody during important moments in his career.
She has also expressed opinions about his wrestling character and storylines.
Teil Runnels’ Comments About Cody in 2026
In September 2026, Teil appeared on Busted Open Radio and discussed whether Cody should become a villainous character in WWE.
In wrestling, this type of character change is called a heel turn.
Teil expressed doubts that such a change would suit her brother’s personality.
She explained that Cody is someone who tries to do the right thing, although she acknowledged that wrestling stories can change.
Her comments received coverage from wrestling publications because fans continue to debate Cody’s character direction.
Teil Runnels’ Relationship With Dustin Rhodes
Teil has also spoken publicly about her older half-brother Dustin.
In a 2021 interview, she discussed how Cody and Dustin’s relationship had changed over time.
She explained that the brothers were not always particularly close.
However, working together in AEW helped strengthen their relationship.
Teil described a more affectionate connection developing between them.
Her comments offered fans a personal perspective on two wrestlers whose professional careers have frequently intersected.
Teil Runnels and Brandi Rhodes
Brandi Rhodes is Cody Rhodes’ wife and Teil’s sister-in-law.
Their relationship attracted attention during the reality series Rhodes to the Top.
Brandi publicly acknowledged that she and Teil had experienced disagreements.
The situation became part of the show’s family storyline.
However, it would be inaccurate to assume that every disagreement shown on television reflects their current relationship.
Their present personal relationship is not fully documented through recent public statements.
Teil Runnels’ Net Worth in 2026
Teil Runnels’ personal net worth has not been independently verified.
Some celebrity biography websites publish estimated figures, but these amounts generally lack supporting financial records.
Her family connection to successful wrestlers does not establish her individual wealth.
Although she has been involved in wrestling-related projects and charitable work, her complete income and financial assets are not publicly documented.
A precise net-worth estimate would therefore be speculative.
Where Is Teil Runnels Now?
As of 2026, Teil continues to maintain connections with professional wrestling through family interviews, legacy projects, and Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling.
She remains a recognizable figure among fans interested in the Rhodes family.
However, she has not pursued the same level of television exposure as Cody or Dustin.
Her public activities suggest a balance between family life and projects connected to her father’s legacy.
Her exact daily activities and private residence are not independently confirmed.
Teil Runnels’ Life Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 1980s | Reported period of birth |
| 1985 | Younger brother Cody Rhodes was born |
| 2008 | Reported marriage year to Kevin Gergel |
| 2015 | Father Dusty Rhodes died |
| 2021 | Appeared in AEW Dynamite and Rhodes to the Top |
| 2023 | Appeared in American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes |
| 2024 | Helped revive Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling |
| 2024 | Cody won the WWE championship at WrestleMania XL |
| 2026 | Discussed Cody’s career and wrestling storylines in interviews |
Interesting Facts About Teil Runnels
-
She is the daughter of Dusty Rhodes and Michelle Rubio Runnels.
-
Her younger brother is WWE star Cody Rhodes.
-
Dustin Rhodes and Kristin Runnels Ditto are her older half-siblings.
-
Her married surname is Gergel.
-
Her husband is Kevin Gergel.
-
She has two children, Maris and Kellan.
-
She has appeared in wrestling-related television and documentary productions.
-
She was featured in Rhodes to the Top.
-
She appeared in the documentary American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes.
-
She has supported projects preserving Dusty Rhodes’ legacy.
-
She helped revive Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling.
-
She has discussed Cody and Dustin’s relationship in wrestling interviews.
-
She commented publicly on Cody’s WWE character direction in September 2026.
Common Misconceptions About Teil Runnels
| Common claim | More accurate information |
|---|---|
| Teil is a professional WWE wrestler | She has not established a full-time in-ring wrestling career |
| Cody Rhodes is her half-brother | Cody is her full brother |
| Dustin Rhodes is her full brother | Dustin is her older half-brother |
| Teil is unmarried | She is married to Kevin Gergel |
| Teil has no children | She has two documented children |
| Teil has never appeared on wrestling television | She has appeared on AEW and wrestling-related programs |
| She has no involvement in wrestling | She has participated in legacy projects and TCW |
| Her exact net worth is known | No independently verified figure is available |
Why Teil Runnels’ Story Matters
Teil Runnels represents a different side of one of professional wrestling’s most recognizable families.
Her father became famous through performances and emotional storytelling.
Her brothers continued that legacy inside the ring.
Teil has contributed in other ways.
She has shared family memories, supported charitable activities, and helped revive a wrestling promotion associated with her father.
Her story shows that preserving a family legacy does not always require following the same career path.
Through her public appearances and involvement in wrestling-related projects, Teil has helped connect younger fans with Dusty Rhodes’ history.
Final Thoughts
Teil Runnels is an American member of the famous Rhodes wrestling family.
She is the daughter of Dusty Rhodes, the sister of Cody Rhodes, and the half-sister of Dustin Rhodes and Kristin Runnels Ditto.
She is married to Kevin Gergel, and they have two children.
Although Teil has not become a full-time professional wrestler, she has appeared in wrestling television programs and documentaries.
She has also supported charitable work and participated in the revival of Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling.
Her involvement in these projects demonstrates that her connection to professional wrestling extends beyond family relationships.
In 2026, Teil remains an important voice in discussions about the Rhodes family’s history and legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teil Runnels
1. Who is Teil Runnels?
Teil Runnels is the daughter of legendary wrestler Dusty Rhodes and the sister of WWE star Cody Rhodes.
2. What is Teil Runnels’ full name?
She is known as Teil Runnels and Teil Runnels Gergel.
3. How old is Teil Runnels in 2026?
Her exact age is not independently verified. Some online biographies report that she was born in 1982.
4. Who is Teil Runnels’ father?
Her father was professional wrestler Dusty Rhodes.
5. Who is Teil Runnels’ mother?
Her mother is Michelle Rubio Runnels.
6. Is Cody Rhodes Teil Runnels’ brother?
Yes. Cody is her younger full brother.
7. Is Dustin Rhodes Teil Runnels’ brother?
Yes. Dustin is her older half-brother.
8. Who is Teil Runnels’ sister?
Her older half-sister is Kristin Runnels Ditto.
9. Is Teil Runnels married?
Yes. She is married to Kevin Gergel.
10. Who is Teil Runnels’ husband?
Her husband is Kevin Gergel.
11. Does Teil Runnels have children?
Yes. She has two children.
12. What are Teil Runnels’ children’s names?
Her children are Maris and Kellan Gergel.
13. Is Teil Runnels a wrestler?
She has not pursued a widely documented full-time professional wrestling career.
14. Has Teil Runnels appeared on WWE television?
She is primarily known for family-related appearances and wrestling media rather than regular WWE performances.
15. Was Teil Runnels on AEW Dynamite?
Yes. IMDb lists an appearance in 2021.
16. Did Teil Runnels appear in Rhodes to the Top?
Yes. She appeared in the reality series.
17. Was Teil Runnels in Cody Rhodes’ documentary?
Yes. She appeared in American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes.
18. What is the Dusty Rhodes Foundation?
It is a charitable organization associated with preserving Dusty’s legacy and supporting opportunities for young people.
19. What is Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling?
It is a wrestling promotion originally associated with Dusty Rhodes that Teil helped revive.
20. What did Teil Runnels say about Cody Rhodes in 2026?
She discussed whether Cody should become a heel in WWE and expressed doubts that such a character change suited him.
21. Is Teil Runnels related to Brandi Rhodes?
Yes. Brandi is her sister-in-law through her marriage to Cody Rhodes.
22. What is Teil Runnels’ net worth?
Her personal net worth has not been independently verified.
23. Where does Teil Runnels live?
Her precise current residence is not independently confirmed.
24. Why is Teil Runnels famous?
She is known for her connection to the Rhodes wrestling family and her involvement in wrestling-related media and legacy projects.
For more wrestling biographies, celebrity family stories, and entertainment updates, visit USA Trending Now.