When this high schooler stepped onto the mat against Vito Arujau, the wrestling world held its breath. This wasn’t just another match; it was a clash of generations, a high school prodigy facing off against a two-time world medalist. For fans of USA Wrestling, it was a moment that promised to rewrite history. And boy, did it deliver.
Arujau, with his impressive resume, had already secured a Senior World title in 2023 and a bronze medal in 2024. He was the embodiment of consistency and experience at 61 kg. On the other side stood Jax Forrest, a 17-year-old from Pennsylvania, fresh off a U17 World silver medal at 55 kg in 2022. The odds seemed stacked against him, but as Kyle Pyles, a keen observer of the sport, noted, “First match was incredible with an amazing, amazing finish.”
In that first match, Vito struck first with a leg attack and a takedown, setting the tone. But Jax, undeterred, scrambled his way back, ending the first period tied at 2-2. Vito responded with another point, making it 3-2, and the exchanges that followed were a testament to both wrestlers’ skills.
Pyles described a “long, drawn-out exchange,” initiated by Vito, where Jax threatened repeatedly, only to find himself in a scramble situation as time ticked down. With a knee down at the edge of the zone, Jax stole the match 4-3, leaving fans wondering, Could Vito turn it around in the next round?
HISTORY: Reacting to Jax Forrest’s win over Vito Arujau in two straight matches. pic.twitter.com/ikw2d7AYKk
— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) July 15, 2025
The second match was where Forrest truly shone. Pyles recounted how Jax executed a sweep double, transitioning seamlessly to a lace for a 2-2 lead early on. That 4-0 advantage proved too much for Vito to overcome. Despite a takedown and a gut-wrenching attempt from Arujau, Forrest countered brilliantly, stepping over and scoring. The final score? A decisive 7-2 victory for Jax. As Pyles put it, “Wins the U.S. Open, beats Seth Gross, and now has just knocked off Vito Orrugia.”
This win wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a statement. A high schooler had bested one of America’s best, raising the question, What does this mean for the future of USA Wrestling?
Team USA’s World Championship journey begins with Jax Forrest
With all 10 spots filled, Team USA’s World Championship roster is set, and the countdown to September has begun. The championships, scheduled from September 13th to 21st, promise to be a spectacle like no other. As the preparation camps kick off, the question on everyone’s mind is, What’s next for these young guns?
What makes this team particularly intriguing is the presence of high school wrestlers like Jax Forrest and PJ Dukes, challenging the notion that only the best in high school can make it to the senior level.
Forrest, who clinched his spot by winning the U.S. Open in April, reflected, “It feels great, but, obviously, knowing that this is just step two of the process. I’ve got to go do my job in September.” His words resonate with the weight of expectation, but also with determination. Then there’s Marcus Blaze, a talent who could rival anyone on the team. This blend of youth and skill raises another question, Can these high schoolers hold their own against the world’s best?
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