Though they ended up taking different paths to get there, SANADA and Hirooki Goto have both advanced to the semifinals of New Japan Cup 2024.
SANADA booked his spot in the semifinals by defeating Jack Perry in a quarterfinal match at NJPW's event in Nagoya on Saturday. Goto vs. David Finlay was also supposed to take place at the show, but it was announced that Finlay couldn't compete due to illness. Goto instead advanced to the semifinals by forfeit.
"David Finlay will not compete [on Saturday] in Nagoya due to illness," NJPW announced. "He is currently undergoing evaluation at a local hospital. Hirooki Goto will advance to the semifinals via forfeit."
Both semifinal matches in the New Japan Cup are taking place on Monday (March 18). SANADA vs. Goto is the first semifinal that's been confirmed.
Shingo Takagi vs. EVIL and Yota Tsuji vs. Ren Narita at Sunday's New Japan Cup event will determine who advances to the other semifinal.
The New Japan Cup finals are being held on Wednesday (March 20). The winner earns an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship shot against Tetsuya Naito at Sakura Genesis on Saturday, April 6.
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