Report: Backstage News On The NJPW Dominion AEW Interim World Title Eliminator

Following CM Punk's announcement that he had sustained a broken foot and would require surgery, it was announced an Interim AEW World Champion would be crowned during Punk's absence at Forbidden Door on June 26.

To determine the competitors in that match Jon Moxley will face the winner of a Battle Royal on Wednesday's Dynamite and the victor of that bout will face the winner of Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Hirooki Goto from June 12th's Dominion show.

Goto's involvement in the Interim AEW World Title Eliminator came as a surprise, though, particularly as the 42-year-old has not challenged for a major singles title in New Japan since 2019. It has also been seven years since his 2015 run with the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, his last reign with a major singles title.

Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that it was New Japan Pro-Wrestling's decision to have Tanahashi face Goto at Forbidden Door and it was not AEW's call.

"I've been asked over and over again about what's the deal with Tanahashi and Goto. I don't have a great answer for ya. This was New Japan's call. It wasn't AEW’s call. They both called...it was a combination, obviously, both had to agree to it. New Japan wanted this match," Meltzer said.

Meltzer also noted he would be stunned if Goto wins at Dominion since he does not believe Tony Khan wants the CHAOS member to be involved in the Interim AEW World Title match at Forbidden Door.

H/T to WrestlingNews.co