FMW legend Seiji ‘Tarzan’ Goto passes away at 58
FMW legend Seiji “Tarzan” Goto has passed away at 58 years old.
Goto died on May 29 following a battle with liver cancer. During his career, Goto was known for his hardcore style and wrestled in the first-ever no ropes exploding barbed wire death match.
Goto, who was originally a sumo wrestler, began his pro wrestling career with AJPW in 1981. He went on an excursion to the United States in 1985 before returning to Japan when Atsushi Onita launched FMW in 1989.
Onita defeated Goto in the first no ropes exploding barbed wire death match at FMW Summer Spectacular in August 1990. Tokyo Sports selected the historic bout as its Match of the Year for 1990.
Onita also defeated Goto in a no ropes exploding barbed wire cage match in September 1991.
In 1983, Goto won Tokyo Sports’ Rookie of the Year award.
Goto married wrestler Despina Montagas during his US excursion. The couple had three sons together before divorcing.
Mr. Gannosuke, who was trained by Goto at the FMW Dojo, spoke to Tokyo Sports about Goto’s passing: “I still can’t believe it, and I can’t really feel it. Thanks to Mr. Goto’s strict teaching, what I’ve been able to do for many years is a fortune. I’m just grateful. I pray for [his] soul.”
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.