In the world of professional wrestling, the Runnels name carries immense weight. While the spotlight has often shined on icons like Dusty Rhodes, Dustin Rhodes (Goldust), and Cody Rhodes, another member of the family has quietly made a name for herself in her own right — Kristin Runnels Ditto. Known for her time as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, and now as a successful entrepreneur, Kristin has gracefully blended legacy with individuality.
Who is Kristin Runnels Ditto?
Kristin Runnels Ditto is an American businesswoman, former cheerleader, and daughter of the late WWE legend, Dusty Rhodes. She was born on February 14, 1973, in Austin, Texas, into a family that would become one of the most respected dynasties in professional wrestling. Despite her family’s wrestling fame, Kristin chose to take a different path, finding her own identity beyond the ring and under the spotlight of American football cheerleading.
As the eldest child of Dusty Rhodes and his first wife Sandra McHargue, Kristin shares her roots with a lineage that includes half-siblings Dustin Rhodes and Cody Rhodes, both of whom went on to become major stars in WWE and AEW.
Kristin Runnels Ditto Age and Early Life
As of 2025, Kristin Runnels Ditto is 52 years old. She spent her early years in Texas, growing up in a household that was deeply immersed in the culture of sports entertainment. While her younger brothers pursued the adrenaline-filled world of professional wrestling, Kristin charted a course more aligned with performance, athletics, and eventually, business.
Her upbringing was not only surrounded by fame but also values of hard work, individuality, and resilience. These qualities would go on to influence her life choices and career development.
Education and Academic Background
Kristin’s educational path led her to the University of Texas at Arlington, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. This field of study matched her passion for physical performance and human movement, something she had cultivated through her athletic endeavors.
Her collegiate years were not just about academic achievements — they also served as a foundation for her professional life in the world of fitness, sports, and later corporate consulting.
Kristin Runnels Ditto Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Experience
One of Kristin’s most well-known accomplishments is her tenure as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader (DCC). She was part of the iconic squad from 1998 to 2000, performing on one of the most prestigious stages in American sports entertainment.
Becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is no small feat. It requires impeccable discipline, fitness, poise, and dance talent. Kristin exemplified all of these traits, serving as a visible symbol of team spirit and performance excellence. Her time with the DCC allowed her to travel, perform in front of massive stadium audiences, and gain nationwide recognition — all while maintaining the image and legacy of the Runnels family.
Kristin’s stint with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders also helped her build a network of professionals and opened doors in media and entrepreneurship.
Kristin Runnels Ditto Husband and Family Life
Kristin is married to Don Ditto, with whom she tied the knot on July 23, 1994. The couple has built a life in Texas, raising three sons: Dalton Ditto, Dylan Ditto, and Wayne Ditto.
Her marriage and family life reflect stability and devotion — themes that are often overshadowed in the entertainment world but are central to Kristin’s identity. While she maintains a public profile due to her cheerleading and family background, she has also cultivated a relatively private life centered around family values and community.
Dusty Rhodes and Kristin Runnels Ditto: A Father’s Legacy
Kristin’s father, Dusty Rhodes (real name: Virgil Riley Runnels Jr.), was a WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most influential wrestlers in the history of the sport. Known as “The American Dream,” Dusty was celebrated not only for his wrestling skills but also for his charisma, mic skills, and storytelling in the ring.
Though Kristin did not follow in his wrestling footsteps, she was undoubtedly shaped by his persona and values. She remained a proud supporter of her father’s career and legacy. In many interviews and family moments, she expressed admiration for Dusty’s drive, commitment to the fans, and love for his children.
After Dusty’s passing in 2015, Kristin, along with her siblings, carried his legacy forward — not just in wrestling, but also through leadership, strength, and perseverance in their respective fields.
Kristin Runnels Ditto Life & Career After Cheerleading
After stepping down from her cheerleading duties, Kristin Runnels Ditto transitioned into entrepreneurship and corporate consulting. She launched KDreamLiving, a lifestyle brand focused on wellness, self-growth, and empowerment. Her work in this space demonstrates her dedication to helping others achieve balance in mind, body, and career.
Additionally, she founded KARAVE Consulting, a business and corporate coaching service that aids companies and individuals in unlocking their leadership potential. Her background in kinesiology and performance lends itself naturally to coaching environments where focus, energy, and discipline are key.
Kristin has also worked in real estate, particularly with Keller Williams Realty, where she found success guiding clients through buying and selling property. Her involvement in real estate reflects her adaptability and ability to build success in diverse industries.
Her professional career is a testament to what one can accomplish with discipline, creativity, and the courage to step outside the shadow of a famous family.
Kristin Runnels Ditto Net Worth
As of 2025, Kristin Runnels Ditto’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This figure is derived from her income across multiple ventures — including her time as a professional cheerleader, her entrepreneurial ventures, consulting services, and real estate transactions.
While this net worth may not be comparable to the millions associated with wrestling icons like her father or brothers, it highlights her independent financial success. Kristin has built her own brand and reputation, steering away from relying on the Runnels name alone.
Public Image and Privacy
Despite coming from a high-profile family, Kristin has managed to maintain a balanced relationship with fame and privacy. She selectively shares her experiences, appears in public with her family for special events, and supports her brothers’ wrestling careers from a respectable distance.
Kristin’s public image is built on authenticity. She doesn’t chase the spotlight, but when it finds her — whether during Cowboys cheerleading performances or family tributes to Dusty Rhodes — she embraces it with class and grace.
Kristin Runnels Ditto Today
Now in her early 50s, Kristin continues to inspire many with her story of transformation — from the daughter of a wrestling legend to an empowered woman with her own businesses, family, and mission.
She serves as a role model for women who aspire to create their own legacy, especially those balancing professional ambitions with personal responsibilities. Whether it’s in the field of sports, real estate, or coaching, Kristin Runnels Ditto exemplifies what it means to live a multidimensional and purpose-driven life.
Final Thoughts
Kristin Runnels Ditto’s story is one of legacy, identity, and growth. While her roots are steeped in the glitz and grit of professional wrestling, she has cultivated her own unique path through cheerleading, entrepreneurship, and family life. From the sidelines of the Dallas Cowboys stadium to boardrooms and wellness platforms, Kristin continues to embody the strength and passion that runs through the Runnels family bloodline.
And as we reflect on her journey, it’s clear that Kristin Runnels Ditto represents more than just a last name — she is a force of her own, building a legacy not in the wrestling ring, but in every space she steps into.
Article published by Mating Press.
