The LAPD is investigating the brutal beatdown of a wrestler at a pro wrestling event in Los Angeles that involved the son of former UFC star Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
Los Angeles police told TMZ that they were called to the event on Saturday night in Sun Valley and that an investigation was underway into the scary caught-on-camera beating that Raja Jackson put on Stuart Smith, better known as “Syko Stu.”
Smith was taken to the hospital and of Saturday night, he was “fine and recovering,” after Jackson jumped into the ring at a private wrestling event at KnokX Pro Academy and body slammed Smith before pummeling him with more than 20 punches while he was down.
Warning: Graphic language
Jackson had to be pulled off Smith by other wrestlers in a scene that was all caught on camera.
A livestream had seemed to show the two men getting into an altercation before the show, where Smith had slammed a beer on Jackson’s head, appearing to believe he was setting up a storyline for the show, but the two made up and shook hands.
“This is so shocking because they were supposed to do a small spot and before you know it, he’s raining down punches,” wrestler Douglas Malo told TMZ.
He also labeled the entire incident “tragic” and “barbaric.”
While Jackson has not commented on the situation, his father put out a statement condemning his son’s actions.
“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 a part of the show. It was bad judgment, and a work that went wrong. Raja is a MMA fighter not a pro wrestler and had no business involved in an event like this,” Rampage Jackson wrote on X.
“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.”
KnokX Pro called Jackson’s actions “reprehensible” and said it was a “selfish, irresponsible act of violence.”
“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,” the statement read.
