Former UFC fighter Rampage Jackson’s son, Raja, was arrested for the alleged brutal beatdown of a professional wrestler that was livestreamed. The incident, which went viral online, involved Raja climbing into the ring and body-slamming Stuart Smith, known professionally as Syko Stu, before beating the apparently unconscious wrestler at the KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy.
The assault was widely viewed online in footage livestreamed Saturday and disseminated across social media. Jackson was booked on a felony charge and is being held on $50,000 bail. The academy claimed the beating was a planned performance that turned ‘bad’ after Smith unexpectedly hit Raja in the side of the head earlier in the day. Rampage Jackson, who was the UFC light heavyweight champion in 2007 and 2008, said the attack was part of a previously planned performance that ‘went wrong’. He apologized for his son’s actions and highlighted that Raja had recently suffered a concussion from sparring and was not fit for any physical contact.
Smith sustained a serious head injury, trauma to both the upper and lower jaws, a laceration to his upper lip, and a fracture to the maxilla bone, which resulted in the loss of several teeth. His Instagram post detailed the extent of the injuries, adding to the public outrage. KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy posted a statement condemning the act, calling it an ‘egregious’ and ‘reprehensible’ incident. The academy apologized to its patrons and fans for the incident, noting it was the first time such an event had occurred in its 17-year history.
Rampage Jackson said that the performance was meant to be a ‘payback’ for Smith’s earlier action in the day. He emphasized that Raja was a MMA fighter and not a pro wrestler, which he believed made the involvement inappropriate. He also raised concerns about the physical condition of his son, stating that Raja had a recent concussion and was not prepared for such high-impact activities.
The case has sparked debate about the ethics of live-streamed combat and the need for clearer guidelines to prevent such incidents. It has also raised questions about the responsibilities of individuals in entertainment events, particularly when such acts can lead to serious harm.
Meanwhile, the public reaction has been mixed, with some condemning the act as reckless and others criticizing the lack of accountability for the organizers who allowed such a performance. The incident highlights the importance of safeguarding participants’ health and ensuring that all events are conducted with proper oversight and safety measures.