IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Hirooki Goto: Shota Umino Is The Future Of NJPW, He’s A Fitting Next Contender After Finlay
On April 5th, the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Hirooki Goto defeated David Finlay at Sakura Genesis for his 3rd successful title defense.
Following the match, Goto called out and challenged Shota Umino to be his next challenger at NJPW Windy City Riot 2025 in Chicago on April 11th. Umino accepted and the title match was made official.
In a new interview on the NJPW official website, Goto discussed his upcoming match with Umino.
The topic of Umino facing a hard time in his young career due to negative fan reaction was brought up. Goto was asked if he may have a “different perspective on what Umino’s going through because he has the title?”
Here was Goto’s response:
“Whatever people around him might say, it doesn’t change that Umino is the future of NJPW. It isn’t for me to teach him by sitting him down and talking, it’s about going in there and trying to teach him a physical lesson. That’s my job to bring to him as his senior.”
Goto commented on calling Umino out at Sakura Genesis:
“When I called him out in Ryogoku, and he got booed, he went to leave, right? I thought he was trying to run away from the whole situation. He might say he isn’t lost, he’s secure in himself, but his actions tell a different story. He still feels uncertain.”
Goto was asked if he felt that him and Umino match up well:
“Oh, of course, no doubt at all. He went all the way to the finals in the New Japan Cup; he might not have scored any big results yet, but I think on raw ability, he’s a fitting next contender after Finlay.”
The question of whether Goto felt he was confident that he will defeat Umino:
“I’m confident I can win, but I always try to carry that confidence. The point in this match to me is to show the true essence of NJPW to the fans in America. The Goto Revolution is worldwide after all!”
The NJPW Windy City Riot 2025 PPV will be available to purchase on NJPW World.
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