Dustin Rhodes, a prominent AEW wrestler, has defied the odds by maintaining a successful wrestling career well into his mid-50s. Joining AEW shortly after its inception in 2019, he seemed to be nearing retirement after a memorable match with his brother Cody Rhodes. However, six years later, Dustin remains active and strong in the ring. He is nearing a year as one half of the Ring of Honor Tag Team Champions alongside Sammy Guevara and is close to securing his third ROH Six-Man Tag Team Championship with partners Marshall and Ross von Erich. Rhodes has also captured the TNT Championship, adding to his career achievements since winning the WWE Intercontinental Title in 1999.
Rhodes’ journey to sustained success wasn’t easy; he battled drug and alcohol addiction, achieving sobriety 17 years ago. During the 90s and early 2000s, he faced personal struggles including multiple marriages and divorces. However, following his personal mantra "Keep stepping," Rhodes found peace and happiness. He married his third wife, Ta-rel Marie Runnels, in June 2012, and the couple has been together ever since.
Ta-rel Runnels, Rhodes’ wife, is involved in the wrestling business beyond just being his spouse. While their marriage remains mostly private, Runnels is active on social media and co-owns the Rhodes Wrestling Academy in Leander, Texas, alongside Dustin. The academy, which has gained a solid reputation as a wrestling school, was established two years ago and hosts wrestling events featuring indie talents like Vert Vixen and Maya World. Dustin serves as the head trainer, and the academy’s trainees include Rhodes’ nephews, Wayne and Wyatt Rhodes.
Fan Take: For AEW fans, Dustin Rhodes’ continued success and partnership with Ta-rel highlight not just his resilience but also a family legacy deeply embedded in wrestling. The growth of their wrestling academy could help cultivate new talent, strengthening AEW’s future and the wrestling industry as a whole.
