Combat Sports Community Outraged After Raja Jackson’s Brutal Attack on Pro Wrestler Stuart Smith in Botched ‘Work’

Veterans like Dave Meltzer and Luke Thomas reacts to Raja Jackson's violent outburst on independent professional wrestler.

Combat Sports Community Outraged After Raja Jackson’s Brutal Attack on Pro Wrestler Stuart Smith in Botched ‘Work’

Dave Meltzer, Quinton Jackson and Raja Jackson (via ITR Wrestling and MMA Fighting)

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Fans are well aware that professional wrestling is scripted entertainment, while MMA is raw and unscripted, a reality that recently shocked the world. At an independent Knokx Pro Wrestling event in California, Raja Jackson, the son of UFC legend Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, shocked fans when a planned in-ring segment spiraled out of control.

During the show, streamed live on Kick, Raja Jackson stormed the ring, hoisted wrestler Stuart Smith (known as Syko Stu) over his head, and slammed him hard onto the mat. What followed stunned everyone watching: Jackson mounted Smith, who appeared to be unconscious, and unleashed more than 20 unanswered punches before other wrestlers managed to pull him off.

Smith was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Reports later confirmed that a segment involving Raja and Smith had been arranged, but no one anticipated the level of violence that would unfold. Tension between the two had reportedly been building all day.

This was after Smith struck Jackson in the head with a beer can during a promo segment, an unscripted move that left Raja visibly angry and set the stage for what was meant to be a storyline confrontation. Quinton Jackson later addressed the incident, clarifying that his son was only supposed to perform a simple takedown as part of the planned segment. 

However, once in the ring, Raja Jackson’s emotions seemed to take over, turning the scripted moment into a dangerous real-life assault. According to Rampage, Raja Jackson had recently suffered a concussion during sparring, meaning he should not have been involved in any physical activity to begin with, a fact that only added to the concern and regret expressed by the former UFC champion.

Moreover, Jackson expressed deep worry for Smith’s recovery and even acknowledged that Raja Jackson’s lack of experience in professional wrestling likely contributed to the incident spiraling out of control. He also issued an apology to the injured wrestler and to the event organizers for what had transpired.

Further adding to the controversy, leaked audio of a phone call made by Raja after the attack revealed that he had been instructed only to perform a basic double-leg takedown. In the recording, Raja can be heard admitting that his anger toward Smith led him to escalate the situation far beyond what was agreed upon.

The shocking turn of events has drawn heavy criticism from both the wrestling and MMA communities, with many questioning the safety protocols in place at independent wrestling shows and the decision to involve an inexperienced fighter in such a segment.

Professional Wrestling/MMA world collectively condemns Raja Jackson’s brutal assault

Veteran wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer described the incident involving Raja Jackson as “the worst thing I’ve ever seen in a ring.” For those unfamiliar with Stuart Smith’s story, the tragedy feels even heavier. Smith, a former U.S. Army veteran, has openly shared his struggles with PTSD and often talked about how professional wrestling became his escape and a source of healing.

Raja Jackson
Raja Jackson (via Kick)

Knowing that something meant to bring him peace turned into such a violent and traumatic moment has made the situation even more heartbreaking for those who know and support him. Check out the online reactions below. 

Moreover, the Los Angeles Police Department is now investigating the incident with Raja Jackson probably at risk of serving time. The LAPD confirmed to The New York Times that it has opened an investigation and told TMZ that officers responded to the venue on Saturday night, taking an official police report.

Douglas Malo, one of the wrestlers who intervened to stop the attack, told USA Today that the victim, Stuart Smith, was conscious and talking after the incident but had suffered multiple facial fractures and lost several teeth. Malo added that the 44-year-old Smith could be released from the hospital as early as Sunday.

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