Hirooki Goto States He Must Defeat Shingo Takagi at NJPW Dominion, Says He’s Coming For Takagi’s Head

By: Lewis Carlan

The IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Hirooki Goto is set to make his seventh defense of his title on June 15th at New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Dominion. Goto will face the challenge of Shingo Takagi who will be attempting to regain the title he lost back in Jan. 2022.

The highly anticipated title match is set for Osaka Jo Hall with a large turnout of fans expected to attend.

Ahead of his seventh IWGP World Heavyweight Championship defense, NJPW has released a new interview on their website with Goto.

Goto was asked a number of questions regarding his Dominion challenger Takagi.

One question that asked of Goto was his thoughts of Takagi as a wrestler.

From Hirooki Goto:

“I think when he became a main eventer, and contending for the world title, it forced me out of that same picture in a way. That’s on me obviously, but I feel that was the case.”

Goto was also asked if he knew of Takagi before he debuted in NJPW back in 2018.

From Hirooki Goto:

“I knew the name, but I hadn’t seen him wrestle. Even when he was a junior heavyweight though, I felt he and I put out a similar aura.”

When the interviewer stated that there is a lot left for Goto to do as champion, Goto agreed and said that is the reason he must defeat Takagi. Goto also stated that he’s coming for Takagi’s head at Dominion.

From Hirooki Goto:

“That’s why I have to beat Takagi, and that’s why the Goto Revolution won’t end yet. Takagi said he’d force me right out the title picture again but the truth is just the opposite. I’m coming for his head.”

This will be the fifth singles match between Goto and Takagi. In their first four encounters, Takagi holds a 3-1 advantage over Goto.

Takagi had a taste of what is like be the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion from June 2021 through Jan. 2022. He won the belt at Dominion 2021 in Osaka Jo Hall and is hoping history repeats itself on June 15th.

There is only one major and massive obstacle that’s standing in Takagi’s way. That one obstacle goes by the name of Hirooki Goto and he’s bringing the Goto Revolution with him on June 15 in Osaka.

NJPW Dominion will air live on NJPW World subscription streaming service on June 15th.

(Featured Photo Credit: NJPW)