The son of a former UFC champion is under fire for a vicious attack on a pro wrestler in the middle of a match he was not involved in.
Raja Jackson, an MMA fighter whose father is ex-UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson, recently turned pro. Saturday, videos streamed on Kick showed the 25-year-old Jackson backstage at a Knokx Pro Wrestling event in Southern California.
There, with his Kick live stream cameraperson with him, an altercation occurred with pro wrestler Stuart Smith, who wrestles under the name Syko Stu. In one video, Smith is seen hitting Jackson over the head with a full beer can – though it appears Smith used the pro wrestling trick of absorbing much of the blow with his own hand on Smith’s head.
In a separate video, Jackson is seen accepting a handshake and apology from Smith – who explained to him that he thought Smith was another professional wrestler and was there to set up a future staged beef, or “work.” Smith told Jackson he saw his camera crew and thought that was the situation.
Still, according to a release from the promotion, it was agreed that during Smith’s match, Jackson could get his “receipt” for the beer can by rushing into the ring from his seat to slam Smith. And that’s what happened.
But afterward, Jackson landed more than 20 punches, almost all to Smith’s head, and almost all while he was unconscious, before anyone intervened. That was not planned at all, and it sent Smith to the hospital in what early reports said was life-threatening condition.
“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,” the promotion posted in a statement. “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.”
“Rampage” Jackson can be seen on additional videos seeing the footage of his son’s attack on Smith for the first time. Afterward, he released a statement that offered a mix of explanation for his son’s actions, as well as a condemnation of them.
“I want to clear up the misinformation about my son Raja,” “Rampage” Jackson posted. “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 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 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, im 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.”
Raja Jackson went 4-0 as an amateur MMA fighter, but lost his pro debut in 2023. He had a fight scheduled earlier this year, but it was canceled. He has not yet made any statements on social media.
