The world of wrestling is in shock following a brutal altercation at a KnokX Pro Wrestling event held in Los Angeles, which took place on August 23, 2025. In this incident, Raja Jackson, the 25-year-old son of the retired UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, suddenly invaded the ring and launched a prolonged assault on Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith, an accomplished independent pro wrestler who also serves in the U.S. Army.
In the heat of a livestreamed incident, I found myself acting out of control, delivering repeated blows to Smith’s head, over 20 times, despite him losing consciousness. A moment intended for entertainment among fans swiftly transformed into a brutal reality, resulting in Smith’s hospitalization and inciting a police investigation that could potentially lead to a lengthy imprisonment for me.
From Beer Can Incident to Brutality
The incident started in the earlier part of the evening. Smith hit Jackson on the head with an empty beer can. Whether this was supposed to be a funny prank or an impulsive wrestling move, it clearly overstepped boundaries. Smith appeared to recognize his mistake immediately, as cameras captured him repeatedly apologizing, indicating he didn’t intend to cause harm or embarrassment to Jackson.
In professional wrestling, mistakes are usually resolved using a “reprimand” – a planned, safe move within the ring that signifies the error without causing actual harm. Jackson’s wrestler buddy organized just such a reprimand: Raja was given permission to deliver this symbolic reprimand, which is typically a forceful forearm or chest strike.
Jackson openly stated on camera that he didn’t feel any pain from the incident. However, rather than ending the discussion, viewers on a live stream encouraged him, goading him in real-time. Jackson grew increasingly upset, and eventually found an opportunity to respond.
Upon stepping into the ring, he discarded the notion of a measured response and instead flooded Smith’s head with numerous punches. Onlookers tallied over twenty strikes, many of which were thrown even after Smith had been rendered unconscious.
A Veteran Hospitalized
Previously a soldier in the US Army who later took up wrestling to help manage PTSD, Smith was urgently taken to the hospital due to serious facial wounds and missing teeth. Subsequently, it was announced that he had regained consciousness and was on the road to recovery, though understandably shaken by this harrowing experience.
LAPD are now looking for Raja Jackson after multiple online reports have been made.
— KDENkickclips (@BeatsMarcy) August 24, 2025
It seems that the public’s anger over the incident involving Smith has been fueled even more so because he is a military veteran. In circles related to wrestling and combat sports, people view this act not just as reckless and criminal, but also as an affront to the respect owed to someone who has served their country.
LAPD Opens Investigation
The LA Police Department is looking into the matter as a case of alleged physical attack. No formal charges have been brought up so far, but due to the widespread sharing of the video footage, it’s clear that something violent took place.
LAPD are now looking for Raja Jackson after multiple online reports have been made.
— KDENkickclips (@BeatsMarcy) August 24, 2025
Wrestling experts remark that Jackson lacked formal professional wrestling training, leading to valid concerns about his eligibility to perform within the ring.
KnokX Pro Responds
In response to the ongoing scandal, KnokX Pro Wrestling – a California-based promotion – publicly denounced Jackson’s actions as being selfish, reckless, and abhorrent. For almost two decades, this wrestling organization has prided itself on maintaining a history free from such violent incidents, but this behavior stands out as unparalleled in their past.
KnokX Pro is strongly connected with WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi (the father of WWE stars Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, and Solo Sikoa), who acts as a coach and public representative for the company. Nevertheless, ownership can be traced back to Reno “Black Pearl” Anoaʻi, Rikishi’s cousin and co-founder. This relationship has become significant in the controversy, as critics have raised concerns about the promotion’s governance and responsibility.
Rampage Jackson’s Statement
In social media posts, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson offered an apology on behalf of his son, Raja. He clarified that Raja had sustained a concussion during sparring and is not experienced in wrestling. As a result, there may have been some confusion about the expectations in the ring.
I aim to dispel any rumors regarding my son Raja. It has been verified that Stewart Smith, also known as Syko Stu, is safe and recovering well after his match. Sadly, Raja was unintentionally struck on the side of the head by Smith just before the match began. However, it seems there’s a misunderstanding about Raja getting revenge later, which is not the case.
— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) August 24, 2025
In a post, Rampage stated he didn’t approve of the incident, expressing empathy for both parties involved. He extended an apology to Smith, KnokX Pro, and the Kick streaming platform. Although some supporters accepted his apology, many made it clear that no justification exists for the on-camera violence.
Fallout With WWE
The aftereffects swiftly spread far and wide. KnokX Pro was once affiliated with WWE’s Independent Development (WWE ID) program, a platform designed to shine a light on independent schools and talent pools. In the wake of the incident, WWE subtly erased all WWE ID branding from KnokX platforms, thereby severing their connection.
It became evident, even with just a single piece of the aftermath being discussed, that WWE is making efforts to disassociate its image from what transpired in Los Angeles.
Blurred Lines Between Performance and Reality
This event has sparked a continuing argument among professional wrestlers: at what point does rehearsed action transition into actual physical confrontation?
It’s clear that the beer can incident was an unintentional blunder. The intention behind the receipt was to handle the situation delicately and move on from it. However, Jackson’s inexperience, coupled with the detrimental influence of a live chat audience, transformed what should have been a performance into a crime scene.
For Smith, a veteran who employed wrestling as a means of healing from his military-related traumas, the assault wasn’t simply unacceptable behavior – it was profoundly personal and posed a real threat.
What Happens Next
During Smith’s ongoing recuperation, it remains to be seen if Raja Jackson will be held accountable by the Los Angeles Police Department. Simultaneously, KnokX Pro is grappling with a public relations challenge, as they’ve lost their WWE partnership and their standing has been tarnished.
As a believer in the importance of discipline, training, and respect for our craft, I can’t help but reflect on this incident as a stark and chilling reminder of what transpires when these essential elements falter. Instead of becoming just another storyline, it serves as a powerful lesson etched deeply into my memory.
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2025-08-25 22:59