Former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has expressed his concern after his son, Raja Jackson, was involved in a shocking incident at a wrestling event in California which left performer Stuart Smith, better known by his ring name “Syko Stu,” in critical care.
The incident occurred during a Knokx Pro Wrestling show, where Raja, a 25-year-old professional mixed martial artist, unexpectedly intervened in a match. What was initially billed as a scripted stunt between Jackson and Smith spiraled into real violence, leading organisers to condemn the act as “irresponsible and reprehensible.”
According to video footage streamed live on the platform Kick, tensions had already flared earlier in the evening when Smith, a US army veteran, struck Raja on the head outside the venue. The situation appeared to escalate once inside. During Smith’s scheduled bout, Raja entered the ring unannounced, lifted the wrestler, and slammed him forcefully to the canvas. The impact appeared to render Smith unconscious.
Shockingly, Raja continued to rain blows on Smith before being pulled away by other wrestlers and staff members.
Knokx Pro Wrestling, who organised the event, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the attack. “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,” the promotion said.
They added: “In the 17 years of operation of KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, there has never been anything as heinous take place. 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. We also apologise to our patrons and fans.”
Smith’s brother later confirmed that the wrestler was “stable but in critical care” as he received treatment for his injuries. The Los Angeles Police Department has since launched an investigation into the incident, which has now garnered significant attention across the combat sports community.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, who held the UFC light-heavyweight championship from 2007 to 2008 and competed in 13 UFC bouts before his retirement in 2015, broke his silence following the incident. The 46-year-old said he was “deeply concerned” and “very upset that any of this happened.”
Speaking on social media, Jackson attempted to frame the confrontation as a “work gone wrong” – using professional wrestling terminology where a “work” refers to a staged or scripted fight. His comments suggest that the altercation may have initially been planned as part of the entertainment, only for Raja’s actions to spiral beyond control.
Despite this explanation, critics have pointed out that the line between performance and real aggression was clearly crossed. For many fans who witnessed the shocking moment live, the attack raised broader concerns about safety at wrestling events and the blurred boundaries between scripted entertainment and genuine hostility.
Raja Jackson, who has been building a career in MMA, now faces intense scrutiny not only from law enforcement but also from the broader sporting community. His actions may jeopardise his professional career, with disciplinary measures from combat sports organisations likely to follow depending on the outcome of investigations.
Meanwhile, Smith’s health remains the central concern. Known in the independent wrestling circuit for his resilience and theatrical style, the 38-year-old veteran has earned respect from both fans and peers. Messages of support have poured in online from fellow wrestlers and supporters hoping for his full recovery.
The situation has also cast an uncomfortable spotlight on the Jackson family name. Quinton Jackson remains a celebrated but controversial figure in mixed martial arts, with a career defined by spectacular knockouts, charisma, and occasional disciplinary issues outside the octagon. This latest controversy, involving his son, risks overshadowing his legacy.
As the LAPD investigation continues, questions remain unanswered: was this truly a scripted segment that went disastrously off course, or an unprovoked act of violence with serious consequences? For now, the wrestling and MMA communities wait anxiously for updates on Smith’s recovery and on whether Raja Jackson will face legal repercussions.
One thing is clear: what should have been a night of entertainment turned into a disturbing spectacle that may change the course of several careers, and left a performer fighting for his health in a California hospital.
