The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating an incident where MMA fighter Raja Jackson, son of former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, allegedly attacked and seriously injured a professional wrestler during a live event.
The altercation occurred Saturday at a KnokX Pro Wrestling show, where a scripted match turned violent, leaving veteran wrestler Suart “Syko Stu” Smith, 47, hospitalized.
The incident began when Jackson entered the ring to perform a planned spot with Smith. However, the move, an “Alabama Slam,” was reportedly executed improperly, knocking Smith unconscious upon impact with the mat.
Video footage from the event, which was streaming on Kick, shows Jackson then mounting the incapacitated wrestler and delivering a series of unscripted punches to his head before other performers intervened to stop the assault.
The attack was reportedly motivated by a backstage incident hours earlier where Smith allegedly struck Jackson with a canned beverage.
While Smith is said to have apologized, explaining it was part of his character’s performance, Jackson retaliated during their in-ring segment. In the aftermath, Jackson was banned from the streaming platform Kick.
The wrestling community and many MMA celebrities has reacted with shock, with the promotion condemning the act as entirely unacceptable.
Veteran wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer described the assault as one of the most severe he has witnessed inside a ring.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has since issued a public apology on behalf of his son, expressing deep concern for Smith’s recovery and describing the situation as a “work that went wrong.”
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson addressed the incident on social media, stating it was a result of a misunderstanding and poor judgment:
“Raja was unexpectedly hit in the side of the head by him moments before Smith’s match, Raja was told that he could get his ‘payback’ in the ring, i thought it was apart of the show. It was bad judgement, and a work that went wrong. Raja is a MMA fighter not a pro wrestler and had no business involaved in an event like this. I don’t condone my son’s actions AT ALL!”
In a follow-up post, Jackson expressed remorse and concern for the injured wrestler:
“As a father, I’m deeply concerned with his health AND the well-being of Mr. Smith. That being said 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 his [Raja’s] behalf and to KICK for the situation.”
KnokX Pro Entertainment & Wrestling, the event organizer, released a formal statement condemning the attack:
“First and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with our brother Mr. Stuart Smith (Syko Stu) as he remains a priority and we are monitoring his well being. What was supposed to be a planned and agreed upon wrestling spot, turned into a selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith. This egregious act is reprehensible and never should have occurred. In the 17 years of operation of KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, there has never been anything as heinous take place such as this and we apologize to our patrons and fans.”
Renowned wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer shared his view on the severity of the incident:
“[The incident was] the worst thing I think I’ve ever seen in the ring.”
