Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson has responded after his son Raja Jackson appeared to brutally assault an already unconscious professional wrestler.
In sickening footage shared online on Sunday from the Kick streaming platform, Raja – who has since been banned over the incident – can be seen bodyslamming wrestler Syko Stu onto the mat
The wrestler – whose real name is Stuart Smith – appeared to be knocked out cold from the slam, before Raja, 25, can be seen getting on top of him and landing over 20 unanswered strikes to the head.
Other wrestlers hit the ring to drag him off Stu, who appeared to be unconscious from the moment he hit the mat.
The incident took place at Knokx Pro in California, which is associated with WWE via its ID programme providing support and opportunity for rookie talent.
As reported by Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, an interaction between the pair was planned for the event, but Raja was not meant to land such forceful and legitimate punches.
In response, former UFC star Rampage – who had a spell working for TNA Wrestling and made a one-off WWE appearance in 2010 – wrote a lengthy statement in which he claimed Smith was ‘awake and stable’.
‘Raja was unexpectedly hit in the side of the head by him moments before Smith’s match, Raja was told that he could get his “payback” in the ring, i thought it was apart of the show,’ he continued.
‘It was bad judgement, and a work [wrestling slang for scripted] that went wrong. Raja is a MMA fighter not a pro wrestler and had no business involved in an event like this.
‘I don’t condone my son’s actions AT ALL! He suffered a concussion from sparring only days ago and had no business doing anything remotely close to physical contact. As a father, im deeply concerned with his health AND the well being of Mr. Smith.
‘That being said I’m very upset that any of this happened, but my main concern now is that Mr. Smith will make a speedy recovery. I apologize on his behalf and to KICK for the situation. (sic)’
The incident, and specifically Raja’s actions towards the unconscious wrestler, have been widely condemned by fans and those in the wrestling business.
Veteran wrestling journalist and historian Dave Meltzer described the attack as ‘may be the worst thing I’ve ever seen in a ring’.
WWE superstar Rusev wrote on X: ‘I’ve known and trained with @SykoStu for 15 years. He is a former US Army veteran and amazing guy.
‘There are no excuses for what happened in that ring. Praying for strong Kick out.’
YouTuber Andy H. Murray added: ‘I don’t know if I have ever seen anything as appalling in wrestling as the Raja Jackson thing. Strength, power, and best wishes to Syko Stu.’
While wrestling interviewer and personality Denise Salcedo wrote: ‘I am absolutely mortified at what I just saw. Horrible. Horrible. Praying that Syko Stu comes out of this alive and well. I don’t have words for what Raja Jackson did. Just horrible.’
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