The American Dream’s Daughters: Where Are Dusty Rhodes’ Two Non-Wrestling Children Today?

The legacy of "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes is one of the most celebrated in professional wrestling, a lineage carried on today by his sons, the current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and AEW star Dustin Rhodes (Goldust). However, the legendary Hall of Famer had four children in total, a fact that often sparks curiosity among fans. As of late 2024, the focus is shifting to the two daughters of Dusty Rhodes who chose paths outside the squared circle: Kristin Runnels Ditto and Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel.

These two women are integral parts of the extended Rhodes/Runnels family, maintaining a connection to the wrestling world while forging successful, distinct careers of their own. Their stories offer a fascinating glimpse into the personal lives of one of wrestling's most famous families, proving that the "Dream" legacy extends far beyond the ring ropes.

Kristin Runnels Ditto and Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel: A Complete Family Biography

The "American Dream" Virgil Riley Runnels Jr. (Dusty Rhodes) had four children from two marriages, creating a complex and supportive family structure. The two daughters, Kristin and Teil, represent two different chapters of Dusty's life.

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• Full Name: Kristin Runnels Ditto (née Runnels)
• Date of Birth: February 14, 1973
• Age (as of late 2024): 51
• Mother: Sandra McHargue (Dusty Rhodes’ first wife)
• Siblings: Full sister to Dustin Rhodes (Dustin Patrick Runnels); Half-sister to Cody Rhodes and Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel.
• Known Career: Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Entrepreneur.

• Full Name: Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel (née Runnels)
• Date of Birth: September 12, 1982
• Age (as of late 2024): 42
• Mother: Michelle Rubio (Dusty Rhodes’ second wife)
• Siblings: Full sister to Cody Rhodes (Cody Runnels); Half-sister to Dustin Rhodes and Kristin Runnels Ditto.
• Known Role: Administrator and protector of the Rhodes family legacy, including the Rhodes Wrestling Academy.

Kristin is the eldest daughter, born during Dusty’s first marriage. Teil, nearly a decade younger, is the full sister of Cody Rhodes, born during his second marriage to Michelle Rubio. Both women have maintained a low-key profile compared to their wrestling brothers, but their professional lives are noteworthy in their own right.

Kristin Runnels Ditto: From Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader to Entrepreneur

Kristin Runnels Ditto is perhaps the most publicly recognizable of Dusty’s daughters due to her time in a highly visible role outside of wrestling. Her career path was a testament to her own athletic and professional drive, separate from the wrestling business.

A Stint with the Dallas Cowboys

Kristin achieved a major milestone by becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader (DCC). Her half-brother, Dustin Rhodes (Goldust), confirmed that Kristin was a part of the Cowboys organization for two seasons, starting in 1998. This career choice was a natural fit, as the Rhodes family has strong ties to the Dallas area, and they are known to be avid Cowboy fans.

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Her time as a DCC was a significant achievement, highlighting her charisma and athleticism. While many fans hoped a Rhodes would enter the ring, Kristin found her spotlight on the sidelines of the NFL, showcasing the family’s diverse talents.

Current Life as a Businesswoman

Following her cheerleading career, Kristin transitioned into the business world, establishing herself as a successful entrepreneur. While she keeps the specifics of her business ventures private, she is often cited as a successful businesswoman, balancing her professional life with her family life.

Kristin is married to Don Ditto, and the couple has children, further cementing her life outside the wrestling bubble. Despite her distance from the wrestling ring, she remains a staunch supporter of her brothers, Cody Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes, celebrating their major career milestones, including Cody’s recent Undisputed WWE Championship reign.

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Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel: Protecting The Rhodes Legacy

Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel, Dusty Rhodes’ youngest daughter, has taken on a different, yet equally vital, role in preserving the family’s standing in the wrestling world. Her involvement is less about the spotlight and more about the foundation of the Rhodes legacy.

The Rhodes Wrestling Academy Connection

Teil is closely associated with the Rhodes Wrestling Academy (RWA), the training facility established by the family. While the RWA is a hub for aspiring professional wrestlers, Teil’s role is reportedly administrative and focused on protecting the family's intellectual property and reputation.

She is known for being involved in the business side of the family’s wrestling operations, working to ensure that the "American Dream" name is honored and that the RWA continues to uphold the standards her father set for the industry. This dedication makes her a crucial, albeit behind-the-scenes, figure in the ongoing Runnels family story.

Family Support and Private Life

Teil is married to Kevin Gergel, and the couple resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. Like her sister, she maintains a private life, only occasionally appearing in public to support her brothers or speak about her father’s impact.

As the full sister of Cody Rhodes, Teil has a unique perspective on his journey from WWE to AEW and back to his current status as a main-event megastar. Her support for "The American Nightmare" is unwavering, highlighting the tight-knit bond of the Runnels siblings, which also includes their half-brother, Dustin Patrick Runnels.

The Runnels Family Legacy: More Than Just Wrestlers

The story of Dusty Rhodes’ daughters, Kristin Runnels Ditto and Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel, is a powerful reminder that the legacy of a wrestling icon is not solely defined by championships and ring performances. It is also about the family they raise and the values they instill.

While their brothers, Dustin and Cody, carry the wrestling banner in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), respectively, Kristin and Teil have carved out their own successful niches. They embody the non-wrestling side of the Runnels family, contributing to the family’s overall success and fame in their own unique ways.

Their careers—from the high-profile cheerleading of the Dallas Cowboys to the dedicated entrepreneurial and administrative roles—prove that the "American Dream" was about more than just wrestling; it was about achieving success in any field through hard work and determination. They are the quiet strength behind the wrestling dynasty, ensuring the Runnels family name remains respected and celebrated for generations to come.