2016 was Hirooki Goto’s final year as a main eventer. He challenged Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and failed for his 8th time, joining CHAOS in the aftermath of his humiliation. Fought Tetsuya Natio in the New Japan Cup Final and lost. Naito would go on to win the Heavyweight Title and start his new journey. And lastly, Goto fought Kenny Omega in the G1 Climax Final and lost again. After 2016, Goto would suppress himself to the undercard fighting for the NEVER, Tag Team title, or the 6-Man title. Never to challenge for the world title or come close to a singles tournament final again.
But the winds of change are blowing. Tetsuya Naito is the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and Goto is once again in the New Japan Cup Final, this time against Los Ingobernables de Japon’s rising star, Yota Tsuji. This is where everyone comes full circle. Where Goto wins the Cup and avenges his loss against Naito. Where on his 9th attempt will finally achieve his career epic’s culmination by winning the Heavyweight Title. Where he takes control of CHAOS, the stable he joined out of shame. This is do or die.
by T3Deliciouz
