Who Could Lead NJPW’s Next Faction?
Credit: NJPW1972 Twitter
Hirooki Goto
Each of NJPWs top stars lead one of the roster’s five factions. There is the Big 4 of Okada, Naito, Omega and Tanahashi, and Suzuki brings a legitimate fifth challenger should they need one. Hirooki Goto is arguably the next biggest draw who doesn’t lead his own tribe. Newer fans may not think he’s even the next biggest draw in CHAOS, given Ishii’s recent upsurge. They’d also be surprised to hear he has three New Japan Cup victories and a G1 Climax trophy under his belt.
That kind of legitimacy is expected from chieftains, not right-hand men. Critics could point to a lack of charisma as what made him more suitable for a reduced role. What Goto does have, however, is a legitimate reason to surround himself with cronies: he’s never been able to get over the hump on his own.
In the end, I kinda feel for Goto. Homeboy's always the bridesmaid, never the bride. #g126 #njpwworld #hirookigoto
— Man, I Don’t Even Know Anymore. (@MisterLorde) August 14, 2016
Triple H needed DX to supplant The Rock and Steve Austin. Like The Game, had Goto come up in any other era he would have been a clear top dog. But Goto’s career has been defined by his losses to Tanahashi and Okada, unless he takes matters into his own hands. Goto could splinter the CHAOS stable and challenge Okada’s leadership, or he could introduce a new brand to NJPW. It’s hard to see any other way that Goto can cement his legacy with an IWGP Heavyweight Championship win.