In a shocking incident that has captured widespread attention, Raja Jackson, son of MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, violently attacked pro wrestler Stuart Smith—known professionally as Syko Stu—during a live-streamed independent wrestling event in California on August 23, 2025. The violent episode, broadcast on the streaming platform Kick, has ignited intense debate about safety and boundaries in professional wrestling and combat sports.
The incident unfolded during a Knokx Pro Wrestling show in Los Angeles. Video footage reveals Raja Jackson lifting Smith high above the mat before slamming him forcefully down. Afterward, Jackson mounted the seemingly unconscious wrestler and delivered more than 20 consecutive punches before other wrestlers intervened to stop the assault. Fans and viewers were left horrified by the apparent severity of the attack.
Wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp reported that the event was originally planned as a staged segment, commonly referred to as a “work” in wrestling terminology. However, Raja Jackson’s real punches were not part of the script, resulting in serious injuries for Smith, who was rushed to the hospital. Fortunately, reports later confirmed Stewart Smith was awake and stable, though the extent of his recovery remains uncertain.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson addressed the incident publicly, expressing deep regret and concern. In a statement on social media, he said, “I want to clear up the misinformation about my son Raja. I’ve been confirmed that the wrestler (Stewart Smith aka Syko Stu) is awake and stable.” He described the fight as “a work that went wrong,” explaining Raja had suffered a concussion during sparring days earlier and should not have been involved in the event. The senior Jackson emphasized his son’s lack of wrestling experience and condemned the violent outcome, stating, “I don’t support my son’s actions at all.”
Rampage Jackson Son Raja Jackson, 25, is an emerging MMA fighter who turned professional in 2023 after a successful amateur career. According to reports, the in-ring incident appeared to stem from an earlier altercation at the venue, where Smith allegedly struck Raja unexpectedly. Raja was reportedly informed he could “get his payback” during the wrestling segment, which unfortunately escalated beyond control.
This episode has intensified discussions regarding the fine line between scripted entertainment and real violence in sports and entertainment industries. Experts warn that such incidents could have legal ramifications and raise questions about the safety protocols for performers, especially those crossing between combat sports and pro wrestling.
As investigations continue, Raja Jackson’s future in professional sports remains unclear, and the wrestling community hopes for Smith’s full recovery amid calls for stricter oversight in events mixing MMA and pro wrestling elements.
