Former Champion Confirmed To Be Injured After Losing World Title

NJPW has confirmed that the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion has suffered an injury, and that he will not wrestle at an upcoming show.

Hirooki Goto dropped the IWGP World Heavyweight Title at Sunday’s (June 29) Tanahashi Jam event, losing the gold back to Zack Sabre Jr.

NJPW has now announced that Goto suffered an elbow injury during this match. The promotion confirmed that he will not be in action at New Japan Soul 2025 on July 4, at the Tokyo Bukodan.

NJPW shared the following statement:

Hirooki Goto, who competed with Zack Sabre Jr. over the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in Nagoya June 29, sustained an injury to his right elbow during the match, and as a result will be absent from competition on July 4 in the Tokyo Budokan.

We apologise to fans looking forward to seeing Goto wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.

Goto’s title loss saw his reign with NJPW’s top championship end after 138 days. He originally won the gold from Zack Sabre Jr on the February 11 The New Beginning in Osaka event.

Hirooki Goto defended the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship seven times during his reign, with his last successful defence seeing him defeat Shingo Takagi at Dominion on June 15.

We wish Hirooki Goto a safe and healthy recovery.

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