Pro Wrestler Violently Assaulted by Raja Jackson, Son of Former UFC Champ

He threw at least 20 punches at the head of the downed wrestler.

Published: 8/25/2025, 3:11:52 PM EDT

Pro Wrestler Violently Assaulted by Raja Jackson, Son of Former UFC Champ — Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (L) fights with Marvin "The Beastman" Eastman on his way to victory in their UFC 67: All or Nothing fight at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas on Feb. 4, 2007. (Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images)

A professional wrestler was assaulted in the ring by the son of former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, leaving the performer hospitalized and prompting a police investigation.

Jackson’s son, Raja, climbed into the ring and body-slammed Stuart Smith, known professionally as Syko Stu. From there, Raja apparently beat Smith after he was knocked unconscious at the KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, throwing at least 20 punches to the head of the downed wrestler.

The attack took place during a KnokX Pro Wrestling show in Sun Valley on Aug. 23, and was captured on the streaming platform Kick. Video shows fellow wrestlers rushing into the ring to pull Jackson off Smith, who lay on the ground motionless as the assault continued.

KnokX Pro, operated by WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, condemned the violence in a Facebook statement: “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.”

“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,” according to the company’s statement. “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.”

Smith, a U.S. Army veteran and wrestler, suffered multiple facial fractures and lost several teeth in the attack. Smith's brother shared an update on Facebook, writing: "Thank you everyone for your prayers, concerns, and kind words for my brother Stu. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. He’s currently stable but in critical care. At this time we’re focused on his recovery and appreciate all the support."

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Raja's father, addressed the incident in a post on X, writing that he wanted to clear up the misinformation about his son. “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,” Jackson wrote.

Initially, Raja’s father said that he thought the incident was part 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 wrote.

Jackson said that his son had “suffered a concussion from sparring only days ago and had no business doing anything remotely close to physical contact,” adding that he’s deeply concerned about his son’s health and the well-being of Smith. "I apologize on his behalf and to KICK for the situation," shared Raja's father.

Other wrestlers eventually separated Jackson from Smith, and Jackson fled the academy, which is located in the Sun Valley neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the academy and is investigating the incident, TMZ reported. A spokesperson didn’t immediately return a request for additional details.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.