Jackson ‘deeply concerned’ as son injures wrestler

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has expressed his “deep concern” after his son, Raja Jackson, allegedly injured a wrestler during a live wrestling event in California.

The incident took place at a Knokx Pro Wrestling show, where professional MMA fighter Raja Jackson (25) was in attendance. The event was being streamed live on Kick, where two confrontations between Raja and wrestler Stuart Smith – known in the ring as Syko Stu – were captured.

According to footage, Raja was struck on the head outside the venue by Smith, a former US Army veteran. Later, during Smith’s scheduled match against another opponent, Raja entered the ring unexpectedly, lifted Smith, and slammed him onto the canvas. The impact appeared to render the wrestler unconscious. Raja then struck Smith several times before other wrestlers intervened and pulled him away.

Rampage Responds

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson addressed the incident on social media, clarifying that Smith was “awake and stable” following the confrontation. However, wrestling insiders questioned whether the altercation was a genuine fight or a scripted “work” that spiraled out of control.

“Raja was unexpectedly hit in the head by Smith moments before his match,” Rampage explained. “He was told he could get his ‘payback’ in the ring. I thought it was part of the show – but it was poor judgment.”

Rampage also revealed that his son had recently suffered a concussion during sparring, making him unfit for any physical confrontation. “Raja is an MMA fighter, not a pro wrestler. He had no business being involved in an event like this,” he said.

An Apology Issued

The 47-year-old MMA legend publicly apologized to both Stuart Smith and Kick on behalf of his son. “I don’t condone my son’s actions at all. As a father, I’m deeply concerned for his health and, more importantly, the well-being of Mr. Smith. My main concern now is that Mr. Smith makes a full and speedy recovery.”

Raja Jackson has competed in three amateur and two professional MMA bouts but has no formal background in professional wrestling.

Knokx Pro Wrestling, a WWE-affiliated training school, has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

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Header Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shannon D. Barnwell, U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons