Peatzilla | MP
By: Lewis Carlan
The year 2026 has proven to be a big one for New Japan Pro-Wrestling superstar and former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Hirooki Goto. In addition to continuing his hugely successful career for NJPW, he stars as E. Honda in the upcoming live action Street Fighter movie which is set for release on Oct. 16th 2026.
Goto has been a competitor for NJPW since 2003 and has had numerous championship title reigns during his 23 years with the promotion. In addition to holding the IWGP World Heavyweight Title, Goto is a 5 time NEVER Openweight Champion and a 5 time IWGP Tag Team Titleholder, four of which were with his Bishamon partner YOSHI-HASHI. Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI are widely regarded as one of the greatest tag teams in the history of NJPW.
As Goto’s career is nearing legendary status, he hopes to win the IWGP Heavyweight Title, currently held by Callum Newman, one more time.
Monthly Puroresu caught up Hirooki Goto for a special interview as we discussed his career, the Street Fighter movie and much more.
Here is the Monthly Puroresu interview with NJPW superstar Hirooki Goto:
Monthly Puroresu:
At Wrestling DONTAKU 2026, you, YOSHI-HASHI & Oleg Boltin lost the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles. What is the level of disappointment on your part now that you are no longer the champion.
Hirooki Goto:
The result was what it was. But I think in the body of the match we showed what Bishamon can do offensively. At the end of the day, Boltin was hurt coming out of his title match the night before, and it wasn’t something we could fully compensate for.
Photo Credit: NJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
Despite being unsuccessful in capturing the IWGP Tag Team Championship for the fifth time in April 2026, Bishamon is considered one of the greatest tag teams of all time. Do you feel you and YOSHI-HASHI are in fact one of the greatest tag teams of all time?
Hirooki Goto:
If you look at our track record when it comes to results, and when it comes to quality of performances, Bishamon is the best team not just in NJPW but in the world. We didn’t win the titles in Hiroshima, but you can’t keep a side like us down and I can assure you another chance will come around.
Monthly Puroresu:
In your opinion, do you feel the Knockout Brothers OSKAR & Yuto-Ice can reach that level one day and were you surprised that they were able to beat such an experienced team as Bishamon are?
Hirooki Goto:
They have a certain type of teamwork that comes from being two completely different people. Their build, their styles in the ring, their nationalities all are very different, but they complement each other so well. And I think fans are drawn into their personalities. They’re cruel people on the surface but they have a deep-down kindness and loyalty. I don’t think there’s ever been a team quite like them before.
Monthly Puroresu:
Will Ospreay called YOSHI-HASHI the greatest member of CHAOS to which you responded by asking Ospreay what he thought of you. Did Ospreay give you an answer, and do you agree with his opinion of YOSHI-HASHI?
Hirooki Goto:
I absolutely agree with what Ospreay said about YOSHI-HASHI. He’s a true friend, he truly cares about his friends, he truly looks after his juniors. He’s kind to a fault, to his detriment sometimes, but that’s him.
Monthly Puroresu:
As a former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, what are your thoughts on Callum Newman as the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion and can we expect you to challenge him soon?
Hirooki Goto:
He always had phenomenal ability, and that potential is now blossoming and he’s shot to the title so young. But he doesn’t need the low blows, the shady tactics. I don’t know that a title match is in the cards right now, but I hope we get drawn together in the G1 so I can teach him a lesson or two and get back in the title mix.
Photo Credit: NJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
You will be starring in the new Street Fighter movie as E. Honda. What was your experience like on set filming the movie, what did you enjoy the most about it?
Hirooki Goto:
It was a fantastic experience, and I think there’s a lot that I learned from it that I can apply to pro-wrestling as well. It was really something that broadened my horizons, and at the end of the day, being a pro-wrestler and being a movie star is a crazy set of childhood dreams to come true!
Photo Credit: Street Fighter Movie
Monthly Puroresu:
How did you prepare for your role of E. Honda, did you have to do much research of the character and were you a fan of the Street Fighter video game?
Hirooki Goto:
I played a ton of Street Fighter when I was in junior high with my friends, and I was actually an E Honda main, so it’s fate in a way. I did do my best to practice sumo and that kind of movement before taking on the role.
Monthly Puroresu:
As this is not your first film appearance, are you hoping to pursue acting in more movies in the future?
Hirooki Goto:
Like I said, as a kid I wanted to be a pro-wrestler, or a movie star, so being able to live both of those dreams is a great honour to me. I would love to take on any challenge that comes my way so I’m absolutely open to more offers.
Monthly Puroresu:
What do you find more difficult, acting or wrestling and why do you feel that way?
Hirooki Goto:
They’re both really difficult, but there’s transferable skills there. You can use acting ability to your advantage in wrestling, and presence as a wrestler in acting. Just because you can do one doesn’t mean you can do the other, but there’s overlap there. They’re both tough.
Monthly Puroresu:
The Hakata Traditional Crafts Museum are featuring Hakata Dolls painted by you. What led to your interest in painting Hakata Dolls?
Hirooki Goto:
They’re a real symbol of region, so I was glad to get the chance to do that. If I can be a bridge to help people understand and be interested in tradition and culture, that’s a real joy for me.
Photo Credit: NJPW/Hirooki Goto
Monthly Puroresu:
What does the future hold for the Goto Revolution in NJPW?
Hirooki Goto:
We’ve gained more members, and we’ve gained a Young Lion as well as a lot of supporters. From here I hope things keep snowballing, and I’d love to do a Goto Revolutionary Army produced event. But the main goal is to obviously get back to the top and win the IWGP title one more time.
Monthly Puroresu would like to extend our sincere gratitude to New Japan Pro-Wrestling for facilitating this interview with Hirooki Goto and providing the English text translation.
Date:
May 27, 2026
