NJPW New Japan Cup 2017: Early Favourites To Win

The current NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto has won the New Japan Cup three times, more than anyone else in the tournament's history. He was unsuccessful in all three subsequent title shots but that's neither here nor there when it comes to predicting the Cup winner. Surely a performer with such a strong history of tournament success should rank as a favourite?

Since losing in the finals of the G1 Climax 26 Goto has milled around looking for a meaningful role on the roster. He seems to have found it in his new championship, which he can defend against foes from all divisions and maintain his position as a lieutenant in Chaos. There are simply too many other competitors who make more sense as Cup victors in 2017, and while a showdown with his leader Okada is not out of the question it does not seem like the most opportune time. Goto is much beloved in Japan however, and a fourth Cup win would be a momentous occasion for the company man, so perhaps they will go ahead and give him the honour for his many years of service.