WTF just happened? The wrestling and MMA world are collectively shaking their heads after a shocking scene at KnokX Pro’s KnokXperience event in Los Angeles this past weekend, where Raja Jackson, the son of former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, violently attacked wrestler Syko Stu in the middle of the ring, after he was unconscious.
In the aftermath, Rampage Jackson took to X to clarify the situation. “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. 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 a part of the show. It was bad judgement, and a work that went wrong,” he wrote.
He went on to acknowledge that his son should never have been in that position. “Raja is a MMA fighter not a pro wrestler and had no business involved in an event like this. I don’t condone my son’s actions AT ALL! 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. 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 behalf and to KICK for the situation.”
The incident, streamed live on Kick, showed Raja storming into the ring, lifting Syko Stu—whose real name is Stuart Smith—before slamming him onto the mat. Video then appeared to capture Raja punching him more than 20 times as other wrestlers rushed in to pull him away. The disturbing moment seemed to leave Stu unconscious, sparking widespread outrage across socials.
KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy also addressed the chaos in a statement posted on Facebook, condemning the actions. “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.”
Fans and fellow wrestlers also reacted, including WWE star Rusev, who expressed his concern online.
Syko Stu, a U.S. Army veteran, has previously shared that wrestling helped him transition back into civilian life after service. He has also been candid about living with PTSD, which made the incident all the more alarming for supporters who follow his journey.
The fallout from the incident continues, with both Rampage and KnokX Pro making it clear that what happened was far beyond the lines of entertainment.