Raja Jackson, the son of former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, has been charged with one felony count of causing serious bodily injury and one misdemeanor assault count following an attack on professional wrestler Stuart “Psycho Stu” Smith in August, according to the Los Angeles Times. The LA County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Jackson violently assaulted Smith during a KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy event in Sun Valley, California, on August 23rd.
Smith was hospitalized for a week after the incident, during which Jackson bodyslammed him and repeatedly punched him in the head, leaving Smith unconscious on the mat. Smith was discharged from the hospital by the end of August and shared on social media that he was recuperating at home. His injuries included trauma to his upper and lower jaw, a lacerated lip, a fractured maxilla, and the loss of several teeth.
Rampage Jackson expressed his deep concern over his son’s actions. The attack, which was broadcast live on the streaming platform Kick, showed other wrestlers intervening to help Smith and contain Jackson. In response, KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy issued a statement condemning the violent act, calling it a selfish and irresponsible deviation from a planned wrestling maneuver, and apologized to their fans and patrons, noting this was the worst incident in their 17 years of operation.
Fan Take: This incident highlights the fine line between entertainment and real violence in combat sports and pro wrestling. Fighting fans need to be aware that while theatrics are part of the show, crossing into actual violence threatens the integrity and safety of the sport.
