An independent wrestling event organized by KnokX Pro Wrestling In Sun Valley, California, on August 23, he became the scene of a violent incident that has shocked the world of combat sports. King Jacksonson of the former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson brutally attacked the professional fighter Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith.
This event was broadcast live on the Kick platform, causing thousands of people to see the MMA practitioner left the fighter unconscious and sent it to the hospital.
► The incident: from a script to a real aggression
The altercation occurred during a Knokx Pro Wrestling event, when Raja Jackson, 25 years old and with experience in mixed martial arts (MMA), participated in a segment that initially was part of the script of the show.
According to reports, the conflict originated hours before, when Syko Stu hit Raja on the head with a beer can as part of a agreed segment. Smith later apologized, clarifying that he thought Raja was aware of the “work.”
However, a video revealed that another fighter, identified as Manahe urged to “return the favor” in the ring, which apparently triggered the aggression. During the function, Jackson broke into Smith's fight, raised him above his head and crashed him against the canvas with a movement similar to a “Alabama Slam.” Then, He gave him more than 20 punches Royal in the head, leaving it unconscious. The brutality of the attack forced other fighters to intervene, while the public and the organizers were stunned.
I’ve seen pro wrestling thorough out my whole life and this is one of worst things I’ve ever seen. I hope Raja Jackson gets life in prison and my thoughts got to Syko Stu.
— Nemesis (@SenpaiNemesis__) August 24, 2025
Several fighters arrived at the ring to stop Jackson who was out of himself.
► QUINTON “RAMPAGE” reaction Jackson
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Legend of the UFC, issued a statement on its X account on August 24, condemning your child's actions and offering public apologies. “I want to clarify the erroneous information about my son Raja. They have confirmed that the fighter (Stuart Smith) is awake and stable. Raja received an unexpected blow in the head moments before Smith's fight. They told him that he could 'take revenge' in the ring; I thought it was part of the show. It was a wrong decision and a job that went wrong“, wrote.
🚨 Rampage Jackson just went live to address the situation involving his son Raja:
“I don’t condone what my son did. I’m going to let justice play out… I just wish I could’ve been there. Hopefully one day I can meet Syko Stu and shake his hand. I hope he can forgive me, as a… pic.twitter.com/epvObpqf9y
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) August 27, 2025
Rampage also revealed that Raja had suffered a brain shock days before during a training, so he should not participate in physical contact activities. “I do not approve my son's actions at all. As a father, I am deeply concerned about his health and the recovery of Smith, ”he added, expressing his desire that the fighter will recover soon.
► Consequences and response of the organizers
Knokx Pro Wrestling issued a statement lamenting the incident and qualifying it as “An act of selfish and irresponsible violence”The company stressed that in its 17 years of history something similar had never happened and apologized to fans.
Raja Jackson was suspended indefinitely And his profile on the Kick platform was eliminated, resulting in a permanent ban. Besides, Knokx Pro was removed from the WWE ID programthus losing its affiliation with WWE, and eliminated any reference to the brand on its social networks.
Stuart Smith, known as Syko Stu, was urgently transferred to a hospital with serious injuriesincluding facial fractures and significant dental damage. According to an update of August 24 of his brother, Andrew Smith, Stu is “conscious and has a certain memory of the events of the attack day”, but faces a complicated recovery.
► Police research and possible legal action
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed to Los Angeles Times that Investigate the incident After receiving a possible report Murder attempt The night of the event. Although Raja Jackson left the place before the arrival of the police, the authorities are collecting evidence, including the images of the attack and the video where he is encouraged to “take revenge.”
Photos of professional wrestler SykoStu in the hospital has been released following the severe beating he suffered earlier this week at the hands of Raja Jackson, the son of Rampage Jackson. pic.twitter.com/t3626Rue2j
— KDENkickclips (@BeatsMarcy) August 26, 2025
Federal former Neama Rahmani, now president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, said that “No one aware of bone fractures or teeth loss”, Suggesting that Raja could face serious charges such as aggression or murder attempt.
► Support for the victim and fundraising
The wrestling community and fans have shown overwhelming support for Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith. His wife, Contessa Patterson, launched an official campaign in Gofundme titled Help Support SykoStu’s Recovery Journey To cover unproven medical expenses, support in recovery and loss of income due to the interruption of your career.
The campaign, verified and backed by the family, has raised more than $ 100,000 So far, with a 200,000 goal. The description of the page emphasizes that “Stuart Smith is a veteran of the US Army. Who used wrestling as an exit to deal with her post -traumatic stress disorder. This incident has not only caused great physical damage, but will also affect her career inside and outside the ring.”
Among the outstanding donors is the ex -champion of AEW and WWE, Chris Jerichowho contributed $ 2,500, once again demonstrating their commitment to the wrestling community. Other fighters like Swerve Strickland (1,000), Deonna Purrazzo Macin (300), Cezar Bononi (500) y Ariya Daivari (500) also contributed, along with the youtuber Mr. Beast, who donated $ 10,000 and promoted the campaign in X to increase its scope.
At the moment there is no more information on the subject, but clearly this has not ended and we will have to see the consequences you will have to face King Jackson.
