Los Angeles, CA – A disturbing incident unfolded at the KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy in Sun Valley, California, as Raja Jackson, the son of former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, allegedly assaulted professional wrestler Stuart Smith, also known as Syko Stu. Footage of the event,widely circulated online,shows Jackson repeatedly striking Smith while he appeared too be incapacitated.

The Incident Unfolds

The attack occurred during a wrestling match on saturday, August 24, 2025. Reports indicate Jackson entered the ring and initially delivered a body slam to Smith, before proceeding to strike the wrestler at least 20 times. Witnesses and the academy itself confirm that Jackson deviated from the pre-planned choreography of the event, escalating the situation into a physical assault.He then fled the location.

Academy and Law Enforcement Response

The Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating the incident, responding to a report from the KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy. A spokesperson for the department has not yet released additional details. KnokX Pro Entertainment & Academy swiftly condemned Jackson’s actions, stating the event was a “selfish, irresponsible act of violence.” The academy confirmed they are monitoring smith’s condition and apologized to patrons and fans, emphasizing this was an isolated incident in their 17-year history.

Background on the Individuals Involved

Stuart Smith is a professional wrestler who has spoken publicly about using wrestling as a coping mechanism for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, stemming from his service in the U.S. military. Raja Jackson, 25, is also a mixed martial artist and suffered a defeat in his only professional fight in 2023. His father, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, enjoyed a celebrated career in both MMA and professional wrestling, including holding the UFC light heavyweight championship in 2007 and 2008.

Conflicting accounts and Explanations

Quinton Jackson took to social media to offer an clarification, stating Smith was “awake and stable.” He claimed the incident stemmed from a prior altercation where Smith unexpectedly struck Raja in the head.Jackson alleged his son was then told he could “get his payback” in the ring, attributing the escalation to a miscommunication and a “work” – a pre-arranged segment – that went wrong. He further highlighted that his son had recently sustained a concussion during sparring and should not have been involved in any physical contact.

Here’s a breakdown of the key facts:

Individual Role Status
Raja Jackson Assailant Subject of Police Investigation
Stuart Smith (Syko Stu) Victim Reportedly Stable, Under Medical Monitoring
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson Father of Assailant Providing Explanation, Not Involved in Assault

Did You Know? The use of ‘works’ – planned segments – is a long-standing tradition in professional wrestling, frequently enough blurring the lines between performance and genuine conflict.

Pro Tip: When consuming online videos of potentially violent incidents, it’s crucial to verify the source and context before drawing conclusions.

The incident raises concerns about safety protocols within wrestling academies and the potential for uncontrolled violence during staged performances. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as law enforcement officials gather evidence.

What measures should wrestling academies implement to prevent similar incidents? Do you think the line between performance and reality is too frequently enough blurred in professional wrestling?