Raja Jackson, Son of MMA Legend 'Rampage,' Charged with Felony Battery Following Sun Valley Wrestling Incident

Raja Jackson, the son of former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, has been formally charged with one count of felony battery that caused serious bodily injury and one count of misdemeanor battery. The charges stem from an August 2025 incident in Sun Valley, California, where Jackson allegedly attacked professional wrestler Stuart "Syko Stu" Smith during an event at the KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office confirmed the charges to the Los Angeles Times, marking a significant legal development in a case that has drawn widespread attention across the combat sports community.

The incident occurred on August 23, 2025, at what was intended to be a routine wrestling showcase. Reports indicate that Raja Jackson, participating in a segment with Smith, deviated sharply from the agreed-upon script. During the interaction, Jackson reportedly body-slammed Smith to the mat before proceeding to deliver multiple punches to Smith’s head while the wrestler was in a defenseless position on the canvas. The altercation was broadcast live on the streaming platform Kick, capturing the sequence of events and the subsequent intervention by other wrestlers and personnel who rushed to restrain Jackson and attend to Smith. The live footage quickly circulated online, sparking debate and concern within professional wrestling and mixed martial arts circles.

Stuart Smith, known professionally as "Syko Stu," sustained severe injuries from the assault. Following the incident, he was hospitalized for a week, with his family providing updates on his condition. Medical assessments revealed trauma to both the upper and lower jaws, a significant laceration to his upper lip, and a fracture to the maxilla bone. Critically, these injuries also resulted in the loss of several teeth. Smith was eventually released from the hospital at the end of August 2025 and has since been recovering at home, a process that is expected to be extensive given the nature of the damage. His return to professional wrestling remains uncertain, with a long road ahead for physical and potentially psychological recovery.

The charges filed against Raja Jackson carry substantial legal implications. In California, felony battery causing serious bodily injury, codified under Penal Code Section 243(d), can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to four years, significant fines, and other penalties. The inclusion of a misdemeanor battery charge (Penal Code Section 242) indicates a broader scope of the alleged assault, though the felony count represents the more serious accusation due to the extent of Smith’s injuries. The legal process is expected to involve an arraignment where Jackson will formally enter a plea, followed by potential preliminary hearings and, if a plea agreement is not reached, a trial. The visual evidence from the live stream is likely to play a crucial role in the prosecution’s case.

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Raja Jackson’s connection to the combat sports world primarily stems from his father, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. While Raja has not pursued a high-profile career in professional fighting or wrestling, his presence at the KnokX Pro event suggests an interest or involvement in the wrestling community. Details regarding his specific role or training background at KnokX Pro prior to this incident have not been extensively publicized. The incident has thrust him into the spotlight under unfortunate circumstances, placing him under intense scrutiny given his familial ties.

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, a revered figure in mixed martial arts, issued a statement following his son’s actions, expressing that he was "deeply concerned" by the assault. "Rampage" Jackson’s career is one of the most storied in MMA history, marked by his explosive fighting style, charismatic personality, and iconic slams. A former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, he holds victories over a pantheon of MMA legends, including Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, Wanderlei Silva, and Forrest Griffin. His career spanned organizations like PRIDE Fighting Championships, UFC, and Bellator MMA, where he was known for his power-punching and aggressive approach. The elder Jackson’s comments reflect the gravity of the situation, highlighting the personal distress caused by his son’s alleged actions and the potential ramifications. For a family deeply embedded in a sport that balances fierce competition with strict rules and professional conduct, this incident represents a stark departure from expected norms.

The KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, where the incident unfolded, quickly issued a public statement condemning Raja Jackson’s actions. The promotion, co-founded by notable wrestling personalities like Rikishi and Gangrel, is known for its role in training aspiring professional wrestlers and hosting local events. In their statement, KnokX Pro emphasized that the "egregious act was reprehensible and should’ve never occurred." They further clarified, "What was supposed to be a planned and agreed upon wrestling spot turned into a selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith." The academy underscored its long-standing operational history, stating, "In the 17 years of operation of KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, there has never been anything as heinous take place such as this, and we apologize to our patrons and fans." This strong condemnation from the promotion highlights the severe breach of professional conduct and the violation of trust inherent in professional wrestling, where performers rely on each other to execute predetermined sequences safely.

Professional wrestling, by its nature, involves choreographed athletic performances designed to entertain. While the outcomes are predetermined, the physical risks are very real, and performers train extensively to execute moves safely while maintaining the illusion of legitimate combat. The distinction between "kayfabe" (the portrayal of staged events as real) and genuine violence is fundamental to the industry. Incidents where a performer genuinely attacks another without prior arrangement are exceedingly rare and are universally condemned. Such breaches not only endanger the physical well-being of the victim but also undermine the integrity of the sport and the trust between performers and promotions. The live broadcast of the incident, immediately available to a global audience, ensured that the event bypassed traditional media gatekeepers, presenting raw, unfiltered footage that contributed to its rapid and widespread dissemination. This instant global exposure adds another layer of complexity to the legal and reputational challenges faced by all parties involved.

The legal proceedings against Raja Jackson will be closely monitored by the combat sports community and the wider public. The outcome could set precedents regarding accountability for actions taken within the context of a professional wrestling event when those actions deviate from agreed-upon parameters and result in serious injury. As Stuart Smith continues his recovery, the focus remains on the judicial process to determine the full extent of Raja Jackson’s culpability and the appropriate legal consequences for an incident that has cast a shadow over a local wrestling academy and brought unwanted attention to a prominent family in combat sports.