Goto captures the gold.
Closing out New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s The New Beginning in Osaka was Hirooki Goto challenging Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
Goto hails from Kuwana, which is located between Tokyo and Osaka, so the crowd was heavily leaning towards him.
He was able to put Sabre Jr. away with the G.T.R. to capture the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship for the first time in his 22 years with New Japan. To celebrate his win, Goto brought his son and daughter into the ring. His longtime tag team partner YOSHI-HASHI was ringside for his victory.
Sabre Jr.’s reign began in October 2024 at King of Pro-Wrestling. He had four successful title defenses and headlined the Tokyo Dome on back-to-back nights in IWGP World Heavyweight Title matches. Sabre Jr. was champion for 120 days.
