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The shocking incident was captured live on the streaming platform Kick on Saturday, Aug. 23.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, the former UFC light heavyweight champion and MMA legend, is breaking his silence after his 25-year-old son, Raja Jackson, violently attacked independent pro wrestler Stuart Smith — better known to fans as Syko Stu — during a live wrestling event in Los Angeles.
The incident, which unfolded at Knokx Pro Wrestling on Saturday, Aug. 23, was streamed in real time on the platform Kick and quickly went viral across social media. What was initially believed to be a staged spot turned into a frighteningly real brawl that left Smith hospitalized with “serious injuries.”
Footage shows Raja storming into the ring, hoisting Smith over his shoulders, and slamming him onto the mat with frightening force. What stunned the crowd, however, were the repeated punches Raja delivered to Smith’s head as he lay motionless. Several wrestlers rushed in to restrain Raja, ending the chaotic scene.
According to reporting from Fightful, the confrontation may have started with a scripted plan, but Raja’s follow-up punches were not part of the performance. Wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp explained, “The spot with Raja Jackson at Knokx Pro Wrestling was planned. However, Raja knocked the person out — and followed up with heavy punches that were not supposed to happen.”
Smith was rushed to the hospital, where he was later reported to be in stable condition, though the full extent of his injuries remains unclear.
Rampage, 47, issued a lengthy statement on X (formerly Twitter), apologizing to Smith, his family, and the wrestling community.
“Raja was unexpectedly hit in the side of the head by [Smith] moments before the match. He was told he could get his ‘payback’ in the ring, and I thought it was part of the show,” Rampage wrote. “It was bad judgment, and a work that went wrong.”
He continued:
“Raja is an MMA fighter, not a professional wrestler, and had no business being in the ring.”
“I don’t condone my son’s actions AT ALL.”
“As a father, my concern is for both Raja’s health and Mr. Smith’s recovery. I’m relieved that Mr. Smith is awake and stable, and I pray he heals quickly.”
While Rampage has apologized, the fallout may not end with public statements. Legal experts note that Raja could face serious criminal charges and civil liability stemming from the incident.
Possible Criminal Charges – Depending on the severity of Smith’s injuries, prosecutors could pursue charges ranging from assault and battery to aggravated assault, both of which carry jail time in California. Because the attack was broadcast live, video evidence could make it difficult for Raja to claim self-defense.
Civil Lawsuit for Damages – Smith or his family could file a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. California law allows victims of intentional acts of violence to recover damages in civil court, even if criminal charges are not filed.
Venue and Promotion Liability – Legal scrutiny may also fall on Knokx Pro Wrestling, the venue, and event organizers. If Raja was not officially contracted or properly cleared to participate, the promotion could face claims of negligence or failure to provide adequate safety measures.
Sports attorney Daniel Wallach told Lawyer Monthly in a similar case: “When unsanctioned violence crosses the line from performance to real harm, liability extends beyond the aggressor. Promotions must ensure performers and attendees are protected under duty-of-care principles.”
Pro wrestling is unique because violence is simulated — yet it often straddles the line between entertainment and physical danger. Courts have previously ruled that wrestlers and MMA fighters assume a degree of risk when stepping into the ring, but consent has limits.
If Smith consented only to a scripted stunt, Raja’s unplanned punches could be deemed outside the scope of consent, strengthening both criminal and civil claims.
Past cases, such as the infamous Mass Transit incident in ECW (1996), show how performers and promotions can face lawsuits when a stunt goes wrong.
As of now, no charges have been filed, but police could still investigate after reviewing video footage and medical reports. Smith’s family and Knokx Pro officials have not issued formal statements.
Raja, who has trained as an MMA fighter but has not competed at a major level, now faces both reputational and legal challenges. His father’s swift apology may soften some public backlash, but the legal system could take a different view.
For Rampage, the ordeal is a painful reminder of the blurred line between performance and reality in combat sports. “This was a work gone wrong,” he wrote, but if prosecutors decide otherwise, Raja could soon find himself not just in the ring — but in court.
What happened between Raja Jackson and Syko Stu?
Raja Jackson attacked independent wrestler Syko Stu during a Knokx Pro Wrestling event, slamming him and striking him repeatedly in the head. The incident left Stu hospitalized with serious injuries.
Could Raja Jackson face assault charges?
Yes. Legal experts say the attack could qualify as assault and battery under California law. If Smith suffered long-term harm, aggravated assault charges are possible.
Can wrestling promotions be sued when wrestlers get hurt?
Yes. While performers assume risk, if a promoter allows untrained participants in the ring or fails to maintain safety protocols, they can face negligence lawsuits.
What did Quinton “Rampage” Jackson say about the incident?
Rampage issued a public apology, stating he does not condone his son’s actions and emphasizing concern for both Smith’s recovery and his son’s well-being.
For more coverage on crime and the law, read our deep dive [The Human Side of a Monster: The Madness of David Berkowitz] and our latest update [Bryan Kohberger Files Sexual Harassment Complaint in Idaho Prison and Requests Transfer].
