When people talk about famous wrestling families, the Rhodes family is always near the top of the list. Fans know Dusty Rhodes. They know Cody Rhodes. They also know Dustin Rhodes. But many people do not know Teil Runnels.
That is one reason fans are searching for her today. She grew up in one of wrestling’s biggest families. Still, she chose a quiet life instead of fame. She stayed close to her family and built a life away from the ring.
Have you ever wondered what it was like to grow up with Dusty Rhodes as your dad? Or how close Teil is to Cody Rhodes? In this article, we will answer those questions. We will also look at her early life, her family, her childhood, and her acting dream.
Teil Runnels Quick Bio
| Full Name | Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel |
| Known As | Teil Runnels |
| Birth Date | September 12, 1982 |
| Age (2026) | 44 years old |
| Birthplace | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Father | Dusty Rhodes |
| Mother | Michelle Rubio |
| Brother | Cody Rhodes |
| Half Siblings | Dustin Rhodes, Kristin Runnels Ditto |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Education | Studied in Texas |
| Husband | Kevin Gergel |
| Children | Kellan and Maris |
| Career | Former AEW team member, Actress (training) |
| Known For | Cody Rhodes’ sister |
| Residence | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Net Worth | Est. $500K–$1 Million (not confirmed) |
Who Is Teil Runnels?
Teil Runnels is the daughter of wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes. Her mother is Michelle Rubio. She is also the older sister of WWE star Cody Rhodes.
Unlike her father and brothers, Teil did not become a wrestler. She never wanted to live in the spotlight. She wanted a simple life with the people she loves.
Many fans first saw Teil Runnels in Rhodes to the Top. Later, she appeared in American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes. These shows helped fans learn more about the Rhodes family.
After those shows, many people wanted to know more about Teil. They saw someone who was kind, calm, and proud of her family.
Teil Runnels’ Early Life
Teil Margaret Runnels was born on September 12, 1982, in Austin, Texas. She spent her early years in a home where wrestling was part of daily life.
Her father traveled a lot because of wrestling. Even so, he always made time for his children. When he came home, he wanted to be a dad first.
As a little girl, Teil noticed that people knew her father everywhere. Fans wanted photos. They wanted to shake his hand. At first, she did not understand why. Later, she learned that her father was one of wrestling’s biggest stars.
Can you imagine seeing your dad on TV every week? That was normal for Teil. She also watched him get hit in the ring. Sometimes she felt worried. Still, she trusted that he would always come home.
To the world, he was Dusty Rhodes. To Teil Runnels, he was simply Dad.
Teil Runnels’ Family
Family has always been a big part of Teil Runnels’ life. She grew up in a loving home where everyone looked after each other.
Her father was Dusty Rhodes. Her mother is Michelle Rubio. Together they had two children, Teil and Cody Rhodes.
Dusty also had two older children from his first marriage. They are Dustin Rhodes and Kristin Runnels Ditto. Dustin became a wrestling star. Kristin built a career outside wrestling.
Even though they have different mothers, the brothers and sisters stayed close. They all loved their father. They all respected the Rhodes family name.
The Rhodes family is still one of wrestling’s best-known families. Teil Runnels is an important part of that story.
Growing Up With Dusty Rhodes
Life with Dusty Rhodes was never boring. Wrestling was all around the family. There were trips, shows, and fans almost everywhere.
But home was different. Dusty loved to laugh. He liked telling funny stories. He also played small jokes on his children. He wanted them to smile.
Teil has said her father always believed in his children. He wanted them to follow their own dreams. He never forced them to work in wrestling.
One family story shows how much he cared. When Teil and Cody wanted to try acting, Dusty sold his Rolex watch. Then he gave each of them money. He wanted to help them get started.
That moment stayed with Teil Runnels for many years. It showed how much her father trusted her.
Teil Runnels and Cody Rhodes
Teil and Cody Rhodes have always been close. They grew up together and shared many happy memories.
As children, they spent a lot of time together. They understood each other because they grew up in the same busy wrestling family.
After college, Teil wanted to study acting. She moved to Los Angeles. Cody also wanted to try something new, so he joined her.
The two lived together while taking acting classes. Life was not easy. Money was tight. But they worked hard and helped each other every day.
Even today, they share a strong bond. Cody often speaks with love about his family. Teil Runnels has always been one of his biggest supporters.
Teil Runnels’ Acting Dream
Teil wanted to see what life outside wrestling was like. She decided to follow her dream of acting.
She moved to Los Angeles and joined the Howard Fine Acting Studio. There she learned acting and met many new people.
Life in Hollywood was exciting. It was also busy. After some time, Teil learned something important. Fame was not what she wanted most.
She wanted a quiet life. She wanted a happy home. She wanted to be close to her family.
So she left Los Angeles and started a new chapter. It was not giving up. It was simply the life that felt right for Teil Runnels.
Teil Runnels’ Time in AEW
After spending years away from wrestling, Teil Runnels became part of the AEW family. She did not step into the ring like Cody Rhodes. Instead, she helped behind the scenes and supported her family.
Fans saw Teil during AEW shows and family projects. She appeared in AEW Dynamite, Rhodes to the Top, and American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes. These moments gave fans a closer look at the Rhodes family.
Many people enjoyed seeing Teil because she showed the softer side of wrestling life. She was not there for fame. She was there because she cared about her family.
Later, Teil stepped away from AEW to focus on her home life. Becoming a mother became her main goal. She wanted to spend more time with her children and enjoy those special moments.
Teil Runnels’ Husband and Marriage
Teil Runnels is married to Kevin Gergel. The couple got married on November 1, 2008. Unlike Teil, Kevin is not part of the wrestling world.
Kevin has worked in business and has built his own career. He and Teil have always kept their relationship private. They do not share many personal details with the public.
Their marriage shows a different side of Teil’s life. While her family name is famous, she enjoys a normal home life. She values love, trust, and time with the people closest to her.
The couple lives in Atlanta, Georgia. They enjoy a quiet life away from cameras and busy events. For Teil, this peaceful life is exactly what she wanted.
Teil Runnels as a Mother
Being a mother is one of the most important parts of Teil’s life. She and Kevin have two children. Their names are Kellan and Maris.
After becoming a mother, Teil decided to put family first. She wanted to be there for school days, family moments, and the small things that matter.
Growing up, Teil saw how much her father cared for his children. Now, she tries to give her own children that same love and support.
Even though she comes from a famous family, Teil wants her kids to have a normal childhood. She keeps their lives private and protects their peaceful home.
Teil Runnels Today in 2026
So, what is Teil Runnels doing today? In 2026, she continues to enjoy a quiet life with her family. She stays away from the daily spotlight and focuses on the people she loves.
Many fans wonder why they do not see her often. The answer is simple. Teil has never wanted a life filled with attention. She enjoys being a mother, a wife, and a supportive family member.
She still supports Cody Rhodes and celebrates his success. She also helps keep Dusty Rhodes’ memory alive through family stories and special appearances.
For many fans, this is what makes Teil special. She does not need fame to be important. Her place in the Rhodes family speaks for itself.
Teil Runnels’ Net Worth and Lifestyle
The exact net worth of Teil Runnels is not known. She has never shared her money details with the public.
Some reports give estimates between $500,000 and $1 million. These numbers are not confirmed, but they may come from her past work and family projects.
Unlike many famous people, Teil does not show off her lifestyle. She does not chase luxury or public attention.
Her biggest focus has always been family. She enjoys a simple life and spends her time with her husband and children.
Interesting Facts About Teil Runnels
There are many things fans may not know about Teil Runnels. She grew up around one of wrestling’s biggest stars, but she never wanted to become a wrestler.
She once followed an acting dream in Los Angeles. She also lived with Cody Rhodes while they worked toward their goals.
Many fans are surprised to learn that she worked with AEW for a short time. She was part of the family story but always stayed away from the main spotlight.
Here are some interesting facts:
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Teil is Cody Rhodes’ full sister.
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She is Dusty Rhodes’ daughter.
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She appeared in wrestling documentaries.
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She once wanted to become an actress.
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She prefers a private family life.
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She supports Cody Rhodes’ career.
Final Thoughts
Teil Runnels has a very different story from many people in the wrestling world. She was born into fame, but she chose peace instead.
She grew up as Dusty Rhodes’ daughter and watched her family become wrestling legends. Still, she created her own path. She chose family, love, and a quiet life.
Fans respect Teil because she feels real. She does not try to be someone else. She simply supports the people she loves and protects the Rhodes family name.
As Cody Rhodes continues to make history, Teil remains an important part of his story. She may stay away from the ring, but she will always be a special part of the Rhodes legacy.
(FAQs)
How old is Teil Runnels, and when is her birthday?
Teil Runnels was born on September 12, 1982. She is 44 years old in 2026, which surprises many fans because she has stayed out of the public eye for so many years.
Who is Teil Runnels’ husband?
Teil Runnels is married to Kevin Gergel. They tied the knot in 2008 and have built a happy and private life away from wrestling and the spotlight.
Does Teil Runnels have children?
Yes. Teil Runnels has two children, a son named Kellan and a daughter named Maris. She chose to focus on raising her family instead of living a public life.
What is Teil Runnels doing today?
In 2026, Teil Runnels lives a quiet life in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and children. She still supports the Rhodes family but prefers to stay away from social media and public attention.
How tall is Teil Runnels?
Teil Runnels is about 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall. Even though she comes from one of wrestling’s most famous families, she has always preferred a simple and private life.
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