Folks, if you thought you’d seen it all in the wrestling world, think again, because yesterday, July 14, 2025, left us all speechless. Picture this: a packed Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota, buzzing with anticipation for the Final X Wrestle-off. On one mat, Vito Arujau, the reigning 2023 World Champion and 2024 World bronze medalist, a 61kg titan with a legendary 216-1 high school record and four NYSPHSAA state titles under his belt. This guy’s a force of nature, a wrestler who’s dominated the freestyle scene with unmatched skill and grit.
And then, out of nowhere, a high school kid named Jax Forrest steps up and pulls off the unthinkable, beating Arujau in two straight matches, 4-3 in Round 1 and a commanding 7-2 in Round 2, to snatch a spot on the U.S. Senior World Team. It’s the kind of upset that stops hearts and rewrites history, leaving every American wrestling fan rubbing their eyes in disbelief. But how did this young phenom pull it off?
Jax Forrest does it in 2 straight! Takes out reigning World Bronze Medalist Vito Arujau 4-3 in Round 1 and then takes him out 7-2 in Round 2 to make his first Senior World Team! pic.twitter.com/j0lzhmQM0e
— Justin Basch (@JustinJBasch) July 14, 2025
Let’s rewind to get a grip on Jax Forrest, the 19-year-old from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, who’s still cutting his teeth in the sport. Born in 2006, this Oklahoma State commit has already turned heads, claiming the 2025 U.S. National title and Pan American championship in the 61kg class. Moving to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to hone his craft, Forrest made his senior-level debut this year, qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials with wins over NCAA champ Nathan Tomasello and All-American Devan Turner.
Yet, facing a veteran like Arujau, whose lineage includes a father who was a two-time World champion, seemed like a long shot. The kid’s youth and raw talent clashed with Arujau’s polished prowess, and somehow, against all odds, Forrest emerged victorious. The image of him in that USA singlet, arms raised after Round 2, is etched in our minds. So, what went down on the internet after this shocking result?
Fans erupt as Jax Forrest’s stunning victory shakes the wrestling world
Man, if you’re a wrestling fan, you’re still pinching yourself after what went down yesterday. It’s the kind of moment that gets your blood pumping, and the fan reactions are pouring in like wildfire. So, what are we all saying about this jaw-dropping upset?
First off, the hype is real, and one fan nailed it with, “Wow! Very impressive. Who knows what it means for folkstyle but so incoming freshmen are now more impressive than ever. I’d say a lot of them don’t need a redshirt.” That’s the buzz around the water cooler, Forrest’s dominance has us rethinking the game plan for these young guns. At just 19, he’s already a 2025 U.S. National champ and Pan American titleholder in the 61kg class, and this win over Arujau proves he’s ready to skip the usual college warm-up. It’s got us dreaming big for the future of freestyle, but what matchups are we craving next?
Enter the dream scenario from another fan: “Dude is incredible. I would love to see a Forrest vs Ono match in the future. That would be . Congrats @JaxForrest6 & bring the USA back a medal!!” Oh, can you imagine that clash? Forrest versus Japan’s Rei Higuchi or another top-tier Ono, talk about a showdown to get the heart racing! This fan’s optimism mirrors the hope we all feel as Forrest heads to the World Championships. And it’s not just one voice, another chimed in with, “Kid is a beast. America freestyle is in good hands for YEARS,” echoing the sentiment that this victory signals a golden era. So, how long can this momentum carry him?
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Fans are throwing around terms like “unreal”— like in the “These high school kids are UNREAL,”— capturing the sheer awe of Forrest’s rise. Even a nod to history came with, “Jax is doing what Pico would have done if he hadn’t walked away from wrestling,” comparing him to the legendary Jason Pico. It’s a testament to his potential, and as we cheer him on, one big question remains: will Jax Forrest turn this shock into a world medal?
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