Rampage Jackson’s Son, Raja, Faces Backlash After Brutal In-Ring Assault on Wrestler "Syko Stu"

Los Angeles, August 2025 — In a shocking incident at a Knokx Pro Wrestling event on August 23, 25-year-old Raja Jackson, son of former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, allegedly assaulted independent wrestler Stuart Smith, known in the ring as Syko Stu. The disturbing moment, captured live on the streaming platform Kick, ignited widespread alarm and condemnation.

The Incident Unfolds: On-Screen Goes Off-Script

Footage shows Raja entering the ring during a match and lifting Syko Stu high above the mat before slamming him down. Following the slam, Raja unleashed a barrage of more than 20 heavy punches to the wrestler’s head while he lay prone and motionless. Fellow wrestlers eventually intervened to restrain him. While the segment was initially intended as a staged performance, according to wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp, the level of violence and injuries inflicted were not part of the plan, turning a scripted spot into a real crisis.

Syko Stu: A Veteran in More Ways Than One

Beyond his wrestling persona, Syko Stu is a U.S. Army veteran who has openly shared his struggles with PTSD. His involvement in wrestling was, in part, therapeutic and meaningful. This makes the assault even more troubling to many fans and peers in the industry. 

Health Update and Immediate Consequences

Raja's aggressive assault left Syko Stu hospitalized with serious injuries. According to Quinton Jackson, Syko Stu is now "awake and stable," providing a measure of relief. 

One immediate repercussion: Raja has been banned from Kick, the platform that streamed the event. 

Rampage Jackson Speaks Out

In a heartfelt statement on X (formerly Twitter), Quinton Jackson described the incident as a "work that went wrong," expressing deep regret. He noted:

• Raja had recently suffered a concussion from sparring, making his participation in a wrestling event unwise.

• He thought Raja's retribution “in the ring” was part of the show.

• He doesn’t condone his son’s actions and prioritizes concern for both Raja’s health and Syko Stu’s recovery.

Public And Community Reaction

The video quickly circulated online, prompting outrage and concern over professional safety and ethical conduct in entertainment wrestling. Fans, media figures, and even other athletes weighed in, questioning how scripted performance could so easily cross into real-life violence. 

What’s Next?

Investigations into the incident are likely forthcoming. Discussions are emerging about safety protocols, the responsibilities of mixed martial artists in scripted environments, and how to better safeguard performers in physically choreographed events.

Summary

Raja Jackson’s unplanned, brutally real assault on Syko Stu went far beyond professional sparring. With the wrestler hospitalized and the incident shared worldwide, it is a sobering reminder of the blurred lines between entertainment and real violence—and the need for stricter oversight in combat-based performance sports.