The son of former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and professional MMA fighter Raja Jackson has been pushed into the limelight for all the wrong reasons after a shocking incident at a pro wrestling event in Los Angeles.
The violent assault on wrestler Stuart Smith, commonly recognised as Syko Stu, has aired criticism across social media and raised questions about safety protocols in combat sports entertainment.
Who is Raja Jackson?
At 25 years old, Raja Jackson is considered a rising prospect in mixed martial arts. Hailing from Los Angeles, he transitioned from the amateur ranks to professional competition in 2023 and has been striving to build a career independent of his father’s legendary name. Carrying the weight of Rampage Jackson’s legacy has not been easy, but Raja has shown flashes of promise inside the cage. However, the recent controversy has placed his career under a harsh spotlight for reasons far removed from his fighting abilities.
The incident at Knokx Pro Wrestling
The controversy erupted on August 23, 2025, during a Knokx Pro Wrestling show that was streamed live on the platform Kick. Raja Jackson and Syko Stu were booked in a wrestling match designed as part of the entertainment card. But what began as a staged performance escalated into something far more serious.
After Smith appeared to knock him out with an unexpected strike before the official start, Raja retaliated by unleashing a barrage of punches. Reports indicated that Raja delivered as many as 20 unanswered strikes, continuing the assault even after Smith appeared unconscious. Spectators and online viewers were stunned, as the outburst went far beyond the scripted boundaries of professional wrestling.
Smith had to be rushed to the hospital for medical attention following the attack, leaving fans and officials outraged by the disregard for safety.
Reactions and fallout
The backlash was immediate. Streaming platform Kick announced that Raja Jackson had been banned, condemning the violence and distancing themselves from the controversy. Social media erupted with criticism, with many fans calling for accountability and stronger safeguards at wrestling events to prevent similar incidents.
Concerns also emerged regarding Raja’s health and decision-making. Reports suggested he had recently suffered a concussion, raising questions about why he was cleared to participate in such a physically demanding spectacle.
Rampage Jackson speaks out
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, one of MMA’s most recognizable figures and Raja’s father, stepped forward to address the controversy. He expressed concern for both his son and the injured wrestler, clarifying that the encounter was intended to be part of a scripted storyline.
Rampage explained that Raja was told he could respond after being unexpectedly struck by Smith, but the situation spiraled out of control. “What unfolded was supposed to be a ‘work,’” he said, using the wrestling term for a staged act. He also pointed to Raja’s recent concussion, highlighting that the situation may not have been handled with the necessary caution regarding athlete safety.
The fallout leaves Raja Jackson’s reputation in jeopardy at a critical point in his budding career. While he remains a fighter with potential in MMA, this controversy has overshadowed his professional journey and drawn scrutiny about his temperament and judgment.
For now, the Jackson family finds itself navigating a storm of criticism, with Raja facing calls for accountability and Rampage urging understanding of a situation that went far beyond its intended script.
