Full Breakdown
Raja Jackson Pleads No Contest in Pro-Wrestling Assault
5/8/2026, 3:16:38 AM
The Incident: Unscripted Violence at a KnokX Pro Wrestling Event
In August 2025, Raja Jackson, 26, son of former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, entered the ring at a KnokX Pro Wrestling event in Los Angeles (some reports say Sun Valley) and attacked independent wrestler Stuart Smith, known as “Syko Stu.” After a backstage clash in which Smith hit Jackson with a beer can, Jackson livestreamed his intent to retaliate, then slammed Smith and delivered over twenty punches while Smith appeared unconscious. Smith sustained cuts, jaw trauma, a fractured maxilla, a lacerated lip and lost several teeth.
Timeline of Key Dates
Key dates: August 23/24 2025 – backstage altercation and in-ring assault; September 18 2025 – warrant issued and Jackson arrested; October 2025 – arraignment; May 7 2026 – no-contest plea entered; June 22 2026 – sentencing scheduled.
Legal Outcome: Plea Deal and Expected Sentencing
Jackson pleaded no contest to a felony battery with serious bodily injury, admitting two special allegations of personal infliction of great bodily injury and violent conduct. The DA expects 90 days jail, $81,703.38 restitution and two years probation.
Official Statements from the District Attorney’s Office
A DA spokesperson said the anticipated sentence is 90 days in county jail, restitution of $81,703.38 and two years probation, and that the defendant must pay restitution before sentencing.
Reactions: Family, Wrestling Community, and Critics
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson urged his son to serve jail time, community service and anger-management classes. He later told The Ariel Helwani Show, “I don’t talk to Raja no more,” adding, “He dishonored my name.” Critics called the deal lenient and some demanded an attempted-murder charge; Rampage rejected that, saying, “It wasn’t attempted murder because he wasn’t trying to kill that guy.”
On-the-Ground Accounts and Video Evidence
Eyewitness wrestlers said others, including Douglas Malo, intervened as Smith coughed blood, choked on his teeth and convulsed. Video shows Smith apologizing and shaking hands with Jackson before the attack, and Jackson’s livestream where he declares, “It isn’t going to be scripted.”
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources differ on the exact date (August 23 vs. 24) and venue (Los Angeles vs. Sun Valley). The number of punches is described as “roughly 20” and “more than 20.” Restitution figures range from “roughly $81,000” to $81,703.38. Jackson’s age is listed as 25 in some accounts and 26 in others.
Impact on KnokX Pro Wrestling and the Wider Community
After the assault, KnokX Pro Wrestling lost its WWE ID accreditation and founder Rikishi announced his departure. A GoFundMe for Smith raised nearly $225,000, with top donor YouTuber Mr. Beast.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Give him his receipts,” — Andre Joel Hudson, wrestler
- “isn’t going to be scripted,” — Raja Jackson, livestream
- “I don’t talk to Raja no more,” — Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, The Ariel Helwani Show
- “It wasn’t attempted murder because he wasn’t trying to kill that guy,” — Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, interview
What Lies Ahead
Jackson’s sentencing on June 22 2026 will determine the final penalties. Smith may pursue a civil suit, and KnokX Pro Wrestling faces ongoing scrutiny of its safety protocols.
