Did Rampage Jackson’s son Raja kill a pro wrestler? Viral rumor debunked

Raja Jackson, the 25-year-old son of former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, was involved in an incident at a Knokx Pro Wrestling event in California on August 23. Video footage of the occurrence showed Raja clashing with independent wrestler Stuart Smith, who performs as “Syko Stu.” The incident escalated when Raja lifted Smith and slammed him to the mat, followed by throwing punches as Smith appeared unresponsive. This prompted other wrestlers to intervene.

While reports indicate that the confrontation was intended to be part of the planned show, the intensity of Raja’s actions was not anticipated. Smith later went to the hospital with initial reports suggesting a serious condition. Quinton Jackson later announced that Smith was awake and stable, characterizing the event as “a work that went wrong.” He explained that Raja, who recently suffered a concussion from MMA training, was not authorized to participate in such activities. Jackson publicly expressed regret over the incident and apologized to Smith and the wrestling promotion.

• Why it matters:
  • The incident raises concerns about safety protocols when combining professional wrestling with mixed martial arts, highlighting the potential risks for athletes.
  • Fans and promoters may need to reconsider the involvement of fighters in wrestling events to avoid similar issues in the future.
• The latest: Smith’s condition is now reported to be stable, but further details regarding his recovery have not been disclosed.