Raja Jackson, the 25-year-old son of UFC legend Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, has been arrested and charged with a felony following a violent, unscripted assault on a professional wrestler during an independent event last month. Jackson was taken into custody on Thursday and is currently being held on a $50,000 bond.
The arrest stems from a shocking incident that occurred on August 23 at a KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy show. Footage of the event, which was live-streamed, showed Jackson storming the ring during a match involving wrestler Stuart "Syko Stu" Smith. Jackson proceeded to body-slam Smith to the mat and then unleash a flurry of more than 20 unanswered punches to the head of the seemingly unconscious wrestler before others intervened to pull him away.
The victim, Stuart Smith, sustained serious injuries, including a fractured maxilla (upper jaw bone), significant dental damage, and a lacerated lip. He was rushed to the hospital and, after a period of critical care, has since been released to continue his recovery at home. A GoFundMe campaign was launched by his family to help cover the extensive medical expenses and lost income.
Reports indicate the shocking assault may have been triggered by an altercation earlier in the evening. As part of a planned, non-scripted interaction, Smith reportedly struck Jackson with a beverage can, believing Jackson was a fellow performer. While Smith apologized after realizing Jackson was not part of the roster, tensions clearly escalated. Video captured Jackson later stating that his in-ring performance would not be scripted, suggesting he planned to take his "payback" beyond the agreed-upon arrangement.
KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, which hosts the event, issued a statement condemning the action, calling it a "selfish, irresponsible act of violence" that turned a planned wrestling "spot" into a criminal matter.
Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has not shied away from commenting on his son's actions. He publicly condemned the assault, stating that his son "took it too far" and had "no business being in the ring," particularly as he had recently suffered a concussion. While expressing concern for both his son's health and the well-being of Mr. Smith, the elder Jackson has advocated for accountability.
"I think Raja should go to jail, so he'll learn not to do this shit no more," Rampage Jackson said in a recent interview. "Do a little time, and then get some therapy, and learn from this."
Raja Jackson's arrest confirms the Los Angeles Police Department's commitment to treat the on-camera assault as a serious criminal case, regardless of the event's wrestling context. The felony charge signifies the severity of the alleged offense, which could significantly impact the young MMA fighter's future. Jackson remains in custody as the legal process begins.
