Tanahashi is first up.
For the first time in his 22-year career with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Hirooki Goto captured the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
He defeated Zack Sabre Jr. to become champion in the main event of The New Beginning in Osaka.
In his post-match comments, Goto expressed that he wanted NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi to be his first challenger. He added that he wants to face Tanahashi before he retires in January 2026.
Goto suggested that the match take place at the NJPW 53rd Anniversary Event on March 6th. Joining the mix to congratulate Goto was Yuji Nagata. Nagata also wanted to throw his name into the hat of potential challengers for Goto’s newly won title.
The new champion said he has his next opponent in sight, but is more than willing to defend against Nagata when the time is right. As of this writing, here’s the updated lineup for the 53rd Anniversary Event:
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado (c) vs. Francesco Akira
