Terri Runnels

Terri Lynne Boatright Runnels, born October 5, 1966, is an American retired professional wrestling manager, television host, and occasional wrestler. She is best known for her long-standing career in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Throughout her time in the industry, she served as an on-screen manager for numerous high-profile competitors and stables, later transitioning into backstage interviewing and television hosting.

Runnels grew up in Florida and originally worked as a make-up artist for CNN from 1985 to 1991, where she applied make-up for television host Larry King. On weekends, she provided make-up services for wrestlers affiliated with Jim Crockett Promotions. After Ted Turner purchased the promotion in 1988 and rebranded it as World Championship Wrestling, Runnels moved to Atlanta to continue her work. In 1990, booker Ole Anderson asked her to join the active roster. She debuted as Alexandra York, a laptop-carrying accountant who led a finance-themed alliance known as the York Foundation.

In 1996, Runnels joined the World Wrestling Federation, debuting at the Royal Rumble under the ring name Marlena. Styled as an indifferent television director who often sat in a ringside director's chair, she managed her then-husband Dustin Runnels, who wrestled as Goldust. Her character was prominently involved in major storylines, including feuds involving Triple H, Chyna, and Brian Pillman. After the Marlena persona ended, Runnels began performing under her real name in 1998, eventually co-founding the alliance known as the Pretty Mean Sisters alongside Jacqueline Moore.

In late 1999, Runnels arranged the Terri Invitational Tournament, a best-of-five match series between The Hardy Boyz and the tag team of Edge and Christian. The Hardy Boyz won the tournament at the No Mercy event, earning her managerial services. She subsequently managed The Hardy Boyz before briefly aligning with Edge and Christian. During this era, she also engaged in an on-screen rivalry with The Kat, managed Perry Saturn of The Radicalz stable, and later managed Raven of The Alliance.

Starting in late 2001, Runnels expanded her role within the company by replacing Trish Stratus as the host of the WWF recap television show Excess. She also worked as a regular backstage interviewer on Raw while making occasional appearances in the ring. On May 27, 2002, she briefly captured the WWF Hardcore Championship, which marked the only championship victory of her professional wrestling career. Runnels officially departed the WWE in March 2004 after eight years with the organization.

Following her departure from professional wrestling, Runnels focused heavily on philanthropic work. She has contributed to several charitable organizations, including the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Children's Miracle Network, the Fit Kids Marathon, and the Hermie & Elliott Sadler Foundation. In 2002, she competed on a special charity episode of The Weakest Link to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House. Runnels returned to WWE television on January 22, 2018, for the Raw 25 Years special, where she was honored alongside other female legends in the company's history.