Raja Jackson, son of MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, sparked major controversy after brutally assaulting professional wrestler Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith during a live-streamed independent wrestling event in California.

The incident began when Smith allegedly hit Raja with a can at the Knokx Pro Wrestling venue entrance as part of what was meant to be a wrestling segment. Raja, apparently unaware it was staged, told viewers “Just wait, I’m going to get my get back.”

During Smith’s match 30 minutes later, Raja entered the ring, lifted the wrestler above his head, slammed him to the mat, and delivered over 20 full-contact punches to Smith’s head while he appeared unconscious. Smith was “flatlined” and hospitalized with serious injuries.

A video has surfaced of Raja Jackson following the incident. He was instructed to perform a double-leg takedown on the wrestler and throw a few fake punches. The caller stated that the wrestler was still knocked out in the ring and even used the word ‘flatlined. pic.twitter.com/mitsN6dSMl

— DahtSick? (@DahtSick) August 24, 2025

Former UFC champion Rampage Jackson issued a public apology, revealing his son had recently suffered a concussion and “should not have been participating.” He stated: “I do not condone my son’s actions at all! As a father, I am deeply concerned with his health AND the well-being of Mr. Smith.”

Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer called it “the worst thing I’ve ever witnessed in a ring.” Raja was subsequently banned from the Kick streaming platform.

Smith, a U.S. Army veteran who uses wrestling as PTSD therapy, is reportedly now awake and stable. The incident has sparked industry-wide debates about performer safety and proper vetting procedures.

I want to clear up the misinformation about my son Raja. I’ve been confirmed that the wrestler ( Stewart Smith aka Syko Stu) is 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…

— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) August 24, 2025