Kazuchika Okada Open To Defending AEW Unified Title Against NJPW’s Hirooki Goto
Hirooki Goto’s success in 2025 is discussed.
It was in February 2025 at NJPW The New Beginning in Osaka that, for the first time in his 22-year run with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Hirooki Goto became IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
Five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and current AEW star Kazuchika Okada was interviewed by NJPW1972.com and shared his thoughts about Goto’s achievement. He said it’s a shame it did not happen sooner. Okada added that he’s open to defending the AEW Unified Title against Goto.
“He’s lucky I wasn’t there (laughs). But someone told me it wasn’t just that he did it, but he was so popular. It really speaks to the fact he pulled so many people with him. Goto was always great. It’s a shame it didn’t happen sooner.
If you put in the call, I’m happy to face him. If you make sure I get paid, of course (laughs). And he doesn’t have a belt anymore. We could do it for the (AEW) Unified Title, I’m Unified Champion…”
Okada is currently competing in AEW’s Continental Classic tournament. He is in the Gold League and has put three points up on the board thus far. His first win was over PAC on the 12/3 AEW Dynamite.
