Staff Reporter
In what can only be described as one of the most shocking moments in independent wrestling, Raja Jackson, 25, son of former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, made headlines on Saturday after violently attacking professional wrestler Stewart Smith, also known as Syko Stu, at a Knokx Pro Wrestling event in California.
Story Highlights
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Raja Jackson, son of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, attacked Syko Stu at a Knokx Pro Wrestling event in California.
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Video shows Jackson lifting and slamming Smith, followed by more than 20 punches before being restrained.
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Incident was partially planned, but the attack escalated unexpectedly, causing serious injuries.
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Smith was hospitalized and is reported to be “awake and stable.”
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Quinton Jackson called it “a work that went wrong” and condemned his son’s actions.
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Raja Jackson, an MMA fighter, suffered a concussion days before and had no wrestling experience.
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Wrestling historian Dave Meltzer described it as “possibly the worst thing” he’s seen in a ring.
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Fans are debating whether MMA instincts or poor judgment led to the incident.
The incident, captured live on streaming platform Kick, left fans stunned and has since ignited a debate about the blurred line between scripted entertainment and real-life violence in wrestling.
Video footage shows Raja Jackson stepping into the ring with a determined look, hoisting Smith high above his head before slamming him hard onto the mat. But the chaos didn’t stop there. Jackson mounted the seemingly unconscious wrestler and unleashed more than 20 consecutive punches before being pulled away by a group of other wrestlers.
While the initial confrontation was reportedly planned, according to Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, the intensity of the attack and the severity of Smith’s injuries were not anticipated. Smith was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, prompting concern among fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
Jackson, who has a background in MMA, compiled an undefeated 4-0 record as an amateur before turning professional in 2023. He lost his professional lightweight debut via unanimous decision to Steve Collins at United Fight League 3. However, wrestling clearly proved to be a different kind of battlefield.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson addressed the incident late Saturday night, confirming that Smith was now “awake and stable.” In a heartfelt statement, he called the attack “a work that went wrong,” clarifying that Raja “had no business involved in an event like this.”
“I don’t condone my son’s actions AT ALL!” Quinton Jackson wrote.
He continued, “He suffered a concussion from sparring only days ago and had no business doing anything remotely close to physical contact. As a father, I’m deeply concerned with his health AND the well-being of Mr. Smith.”
Sources indicate that the altercation stemmed from an earlier exchange between Raja Jackson and Smith, in which Smith unexpectedly struck Jackson in the head. Jackson was reportedly told he could get his “payback” in the ring, which he believed was part of the scripted show. Unfortunately, what was meant to be entertainment quickly escalated into a real-life brawl.
Wrestling historian Dave Meltzer described the event as “possibly the worst thing I’ve ever seen in a ring,” emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the attack.
Fans of both MMA and professional wrestling have since been dissecting the incident online, debating whether Raja Jackson’s MMA instincts took over in the wrestling ring, or if it was simply a case of poor judgment. Regardless, the episode has placed both Jackson and Knokx Pro Wrestling under intense scrutiny.
Despite the chaos, Quinton Jackson urged the public to focus on Smith’s recovery. “I’m very upset that any of this happened, but my main concern now is that Mr. Smith will make a speedy recovery. I apologize on behalf of my son and to Kick for the situation,” he added.
The Raja Jackson incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly scripted entertainment can turn into real-life danger when boundaries are crossed. While the wrestling world reels from the shocking footage, attention now turns to Stewart Smith’s recovery and Jackson’s future in professional combat sports. Fans and experts alike are left debating the fine line between MMA aggression and staged wrestling performance, as the independent wrestling community reflects on safety, responsibility, and the unpredictable nature of live events.
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