In the intense world of collegiate wrestling, a name that’s quickly getting everyone’s attention is Jax Forrest. This rising star at Oklahoma State has already made a huge splash with his incredible drive and impressive skills, recently tearing it up at the US National Championships and showing everyone what he’s truly capable of. Now, as he zeroes in on the US Open, a pivotal moment of guidance from a legendary figure has entered his story.

That is David Taylor, the iconic coach and former wrestler who’s now leading the charge at Oklahoma State. But what exactly did Taylor say that could light a fire under Forrest and propel him to new heights? Let’s take a closer look.

Initially, Taylor’s wisdom for Forrest came with a long-term view. The coach, known for his brilliant strategic mind, actually advised Forrest to take his time. “So, I went to talk to David about it, and originally, he was saying, you know, just focus on your 20s, you’re gonna have a lot of years to wrestle in the senior division,” Forrest recalled on #TheBaderShow as shared by FloWrestling. This was classic Taylor-thinking ahead, ensuring Forrest wouldn’t burn out too soon. It was a smart, patient approach, prioritizing lasting success over quick wins. But was that the whole conversation, or just the beginning?

The real turning point came totally out of the blue. As Forrest was literally heading out the door, Taylor had a change of heart. “And then, I was leaving, like, walking out, getting in the car to go back, and he’s in his truck with Tyler and Jimmy, and they call me over,” Forrest shared. That spontaneous moment showed Taylor suddenly seeing something different in Forrest’s readiness. And what the coach said next? It was a total game-changer.

“Hey,” Taylor began, “he’s like, ‘Are you serious about doing the senior stuff? Like, if you’re going, you’re not going to to just place or wrestle and beat one guy, you know, you got to go there with, you know, trying to win, you know, things happen, you might not win, you might win, but they’re like, if you’re gonna go, you gotta go to, you know, win. You know, you’re not going there, just to participate'”. This wasn’t just advice; it was a powerful shift from simply showing up to truly going for gold. It perfectly captured Taylor’s deep belief in Forrest’s ability to dominate at the highest level. So, how will this bold new perspective redefine Forrest’s approach to the US Open?

Forrest vs Arujau Final X Battle Moved to July 14!

Get ready, wrestling fans, because a monumental showdown is about to unfold! The highly anticipated best-of-three Final X series in men’s 61 kg freestyle, featuring the incredible two-time World medalist Vito Arujau and U.S. Open champion Jax Forrest, has just been rescheduled for July 14 in Fargo, North Dakota.

This explosive matchup was initially set for June 14 in Newark, New Jersey. But earlier this week, Arujau put in a request for a delay, and it was granted, pushing back this can’t-miss clash. What does this mean for the rest of the competition? Well, now there will be only nine men’s freestyle matchups at Final X, joining ten women’s freestyle series and those crucial U.S. National Team true-third matches, all part of next weekend’s big event. But the burning questions are: Why the sudden postponement, and how will this change affect the wrestlers heading into their crucial encounter?

It turns out this delay wasn’t just a random decision. It was made under very specific rules outlined in the 2025 World Team Trials Qualification & Procedures for Men’s Freestyle. The document clearly states that “only a 2024 Senior World Medalist or 2024 Olympic Medalist, who earned an automatic berth into the Final X, may request a medical delay for competing in the Final X Wrestle-Off.” And with his impressive string of past achievements, Arujau perfectly fits that description, ensuring the process remains fair and transparent.

This rule really highlights the incredibly high stakes involved and the careful thought that goes into these decisions. So, as this new date looms, how will both Arujau and Forrest adjust their training and strategy for what promises to be an unforgettable battle?