Raja Jackson Pleads Not Guilty to Felony Battery in Wrestling Attack Case
Raja Jackson, the son of mixed martial arts icon Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, entered a plea of not guilty in a Los Angeles court on Thursday to two criminal charges stemming from a violent incident at a wrestling event that left another performer hospitalized. The 24-year-old Jackson faces one count of felony battery causing serious bodily injury and one count of misdemeanor battery for his assault on independent wrestler Syko Stu, whose real name is Stuart Smith.
Details of the Incident
The charges originate from an August 23 KnokX Pro Wrestling event, where a choreographed match reportedly devolved into a real and brutal attack. According to video evidence that spread quickly online, Jackson slammed Smith to the mat before striking him repeatedly in the head and face—more than 20 times. The Los Angeles Times reported that prosecutors are seeking a sentencing enhancement for allegedly causing “great bodily injury.” Smith suffered multiple injuries, including the loss of several teeth and a severe laceration to his lip.
Witnesses said the altercation began backstage when Smith, an Army veteran, hit Jackson in the head with a beer can. It remains unclear whether Smith believed the confrontation was part of a scripted storyline, but what followed in the ring was not part of the performance. Prosecutors allege that Jackson acted with clear intent to cause harm during the attack.
Possible Legal Consequences
If convicted on the felony battery charge, Jackson could face up to seven years in prison, with an additional six months possible for the misdemeanor offense. His next court appearance is set for November, where the judge will determine whether the case proceeds to trial.
Legal analysts have noted that California courts take “great bodily injury” enhancements seriously, as they can significantly increase potential sentencing if proven. The case has drawn major attention from both combat sports and wrestling communities, given Jackson’s family legacy and the unusual circumstances surrounding the incident.
Professional Fallout for Raja Jackson
The repercussions for Jackson have extended well beyond the courtroom. Following the viral video of the incident, he was banned from the streaming platform Kick, where he had built a following as a live content creator. Additionally, KnokX Pro Wrestling, the promotion that hosted the event, lost its WWE ID affiliation as a result of the controversy. The company, which also operates as a training school, faced heavy criticism for the lack of oversight that allowed the altercation to escalate.
Support for Syko Stu
Meanwhile, the wrestling community has rallied around Syko Stu during his recovery. A GoFundMe campaign launched to assist with his medical bills has raised more than $220,000. Notable professional wrestlers including Chris Jericho, Finn Bálor, and Nic Nemeth (formerly known as Dolph Ziggler) have made generous contributions. Stu was discharged from the hospital at the end of August but continues to undergo treatment for his injuries and is not expected to return to wrestling anytime soon.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Reaction
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the video footage of the attack is being used as key evidence in the ongoing case. Fans and fellow wrestlers have expressed mixed reactions online—some condemning the assault as an act of real violence, while others debate whether it stemmed from a misunderstanding during a live performance.
Jackson and his legal team have not issued any public statements beyond his not-guilty plea. His father, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, has also remained silent on the matter.
As the case moves forward, the wrestling industry continues to grapple with the implications of blurring the line between performance and reality—a line that, in this instance, appears to have been crossed with devastating consequences.