Terri Runnels is a former professional wrestler, manager, and television personality, best known for her role in WWE during the 1990s and 2000s.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Terri Lynne Boatright Runnels was born on October 5, 1966, in Live Oak, Florida. Before entering the wrestling world, she worked as a makeup artist for CNN, where she applied makeup to high-profile figures like Larry King. This behind-the-scenes work exposed her to the entertainment industry and ultimately led to her transition into professional wrestling.
Terri Runnels WWE
In the early 1990s, Terri began her wrestling career with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under the persona of Miss Alexandra York. This role involved managing wrestlers in the York Foundation. However, her big break came when she joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1996, where she was rebranded as “Marlena” – a glamorous and sophisticated manager to her then-husband, Goldust (Dustin Runnels).
Terri Runnels Marlena
As Marlena, Terri became one of the most recognized female figures in WWE. Sporting luxurious fur coats and sunglasses, she added an air of mystery and sophistication to her character. Her role as the manager of Goldust was integral to the development of his controversial persona, and her on-screen chemistry with him played a major role in his success.
Apart from Goldust, Terri also managed other popular wrestlers like The Hardy Boyz, Edge, and Christian, helping elevate their careers. Throughout her time in WWE, Terri also dabbled in wrestling, even winning the WWE Hardcore Championship in 2000.
Rivalries and Feuds
Throughout her career, Terri was involved in several notable feuds and storylines. One of the most famous rivalries was with The Kat (Stacy Carter), another WWE Diva. Their rivalry provided plenty of entertainment, with both women competing in the ring and sparking drama both on and off-screen. Her strong personality and presence on television contributed to many memorable moments in WWE history.
Follow Terri Runnels on her Instagram handle Terri Runnels (@theterrirunnels) • Instagram photos and videos and know more about her.
Personal Life: Relationships and Family
Terri Runnels Husband
In 1990, she dated Brian Pillman.
In 1993, she married fellow WWE wrestler Dustin Runnels (Goldust), and the couple had a daughter, Dakota, in 1994. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1999. Despite their separation, the two have remained on good terms, co-parenting their daughter.
She entered in a relationship with Tyree Clowe in 2003, who was a US soldier and 15 years her junior. The both remained together for over five years.
In 2009, Terri began dating former professional wrestler New Jack. As of July 2011, the couple was no longer together.
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Terri Runnels Daughter
Terri has always been incredibly dedicated to her daughter Dakota, raising her as a single mother after her divorce from Goldust. Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood and a career in wrestling, Dakota remains a central part of her life. Dakota, who has grown up to become an independent woman, maintains a close relationship with her mother.
Legal Issues and Public Scrutiny
In May 2019, Terri faced legal issues when she was arrested at Tampa International Airport for carrying a concealed firearm. She explained that she had forgotten it was in her bag, as she routinely carried it when visiting her mother. The charges were dropped, and Terri did not serve jail time.
In 2021, she addressed the infamous “Plane Ride from Hell” incident that took place in 2002. This controversial event, which involved multiple WWE Superstars misbehaving during a flight, has been a significant moment in WWE history. While she did not go into detail about her involvement, Terri hinted that she might share more about it in the future.
Terri Runnels Net Worth
As of 2025, Terri Runnels’ net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. This wealth has largely come from her career in professional wrestling, where she earned money as a manager, wrestler, and TV personality. Her years with WWE were lucrative, and she benefited from various media deals, merchandise sales, and occasional appearances at wrestling events.
However, net worth figures can vary depending on the source and may not be 100% up-to-date.
Additionally, her time spent in the public eye and her role in shaping the careers of many wrestlers contributed to her ongoing financial success. She no longer appears regularly on television
Recent News
Terri Runnels has kept a relatively low profile in recent years, but she still occasionally makes headlines. In 2023, she spoke about the changing landscape of WWE and her thoughts on the current wrestling business, noting the evolution of the industry since her time. Her comments were well-received by fans, as she shared her perspective on how the business has grown and evolved over time.
She has also engaged with fans through social media, reflecting on her career and offering occasional glimpses into her life after wrestling. In addition, Terri has appeared in various interviews and podcasts, discussing her time in WWE and sharing insights into the behind-the-scenes world of wrestling. She remains an influential figure in the industry, with fans continuing to express admiration for her contributions to the sport.
While there are no major public projects involving her at the moment, Terri Runnels continues to be remembered fondly by fans, with many still appreciating her unique role in shaping WWE during its prime.
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FAQ
- Terri Runnels New Jack
Terri began dating former professional wrestler New Jack in 2009. As of July 2011, the couple was no longer together. In August 2011, a Florida judge ordered Jack to stop selling private and exclusive photographs of Runnels.
