Hirooki Goto out of NJPW G1 Climax 35 due to injury

Hirooki Goto is out of the G1.

NJPW announced Friday night that the elbow injury caused at Tanahashi Jam will force Goto to withdraw from the upcoming tournament. 

“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,” NJPW’s statement says on their website.” We apologise to fans looking forward to seeing Goto wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.”

As a result of Goto’s withdrawal, a Last Chance Play-In Gauntlet match will be held during NJPW’s show at Korakuen Hall on July 6. Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi, Satoshi Kojima, and Chase Owens will compete in the match, with the winner officially entering the tournament in the A block.

Goto lost the IWGP World Championship to Zack Sabre Jr. at Tanahashi Jam in what was their third meeting together this year. The show aired live exclusively on television in Japan.

This year’s G1 Climax 35 tournament begins July 19 and will run through August 17.