Hirooki Goto has withdrawn from the upcoming NJPW G1 Climax 35 tournament.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced that Goto will miss the NJPW G1 Climax 35 tournament with an elbow injury.
A play-in gauntlet featuring Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi, Satoshi Kojima and Chase Owens will take place at NJPW Soul on July 6th.
After medical evaluation through the week, it has been determined that Hirooki Goto, who missed July 4's New Japan Soul card as a result of an elbow injury sustained at Tanahashi Jam on June 29, will be unable to compete in the G1 Climax 35 tournament, and currently has no set date for a return.
We apologise to fans looking forward to seeing Goto wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.
As a result of Goto's withdrawal from the tournament, his spot in A Block will be determined by a Last Chance Play-In Gauntlet Match on July 6 in Korakuen Hall. After defeats in each of their prior play-in matches, Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi, Satoshi Kojima and Chase Owens will compete in the gauntlet, wherein a random opening pairing will start, and after a wrestler is defeated, th enext entrant will take their place until one remains. That winner will complete the G1 Climax 35 field.
NJPW joins fans in wishing Goto a speedy, full recovery.
Goto suffered the injury on June 29th at NJPW Tanahashi Jam against Zack Sabre Jr. Goto lost the IWGP World Heavyweight Title in the bout.
Fightful wishes Goto the best in his recovery.
