NJPW Announces Hirooki Goto Pulled from G1 Climax 2025 Due to Elbow Injury

As noted before, Hirooki Goto has been out of action for New Japan Pro Wrestling since this past June’s Tanahashi Jam event due to a right elbow injury.

NJPW provided an update today announcing that they have pulled Goto from their upcoming G1 Climax 2025 tournament due to his injury situation.

It was also announced that a return date for Goto is currently not known.

It was also announced that a Last Chance Play-In Gauntlet match will be held at their New Japan Soul 2025 event on July 6th in Tokyo, Japan. The winner of this match between Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi, Satoshi Kojima, and Chase Owens will officially replace Goto in this year’s G1 Climax tournament.

NJPW’s official website:

Hirooki Goto to miss G1 Climax 35; Last Chance Play-In Gauntlet set

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.