Exclusive: Flip Gordon Explains Cody Rhodes’ Influence On His Career

At 27 years old, Flip Gordon is still a young name in pro wrestling, even though he says he got a late start at 23. With Ring of Honor in a unique position, Gordon may be stepping into a more advanced role, and has had some advice from top names.

While they are frienemies on the popular “Being the Elite” series, Gordon told FightfulWrestling.com recently that he looks at Cody Rhodes as one of the people who have influenced him the most during his wrestling career, while also mentioning some other names.

“One of the guys which you wouldn’t think would actually be Cody. When he first left WWE, he came to the indies. He was one of the guys that looked after me. When I had questions, I’d go to him and he’d have honest answers. Other guys in the locker room used to be Bully Ray, he’s a WWE Hall of Famer and he’s seen it all. I go to the Bucks a lot. Marty has been a guy that’s always there,” Gordon told us.

His on-screen relationships with Cody and Bully Ray took way different turns. Bully Ray and Gordon will face off at ROH Final Battle on December 14, but Gordon was recently the victim of a vicious caning from Ray. During the attack, several ROH stars, including Cody Rhodes came out to support Gordon who was “taking his lashes” in a scene was was eerily reminiscent of Tommy Dreamer and the Sandman from decades prior. Gordon told us that the support surprised him.

“I didn’t expect anything like that to happen, especially a guy like Cody,” Gordon said. “He coached me through that and just said ‘you can keep going.’ Those shots were brutal. After about three or four, I didn’t think I could take any more.

Flip was quick to note that he didn’t ruin Cody’s Chipotle during a fight backstage with a local Pittsburgh talent, placing the blame on the local talent instead. There were many inside jokes made about it leading up to September’s All In. Unlike All In, Gordon confirmed to me that he was booked for ROH’s Madison Square Garden show next April.

“That is wrestling’s most famous arena. I’ve never stepped foot in that arena. So the first time I step foot in that building would be to perform,” said Flip.

Ring of Honor Final Battle takes place on December 14, 2018 from the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, New York on ROH HonorClub. Fightful.com will have full, live coverage of the show, including a live post-show podcast right after the event.