In a story that has sent shockwaves through both the MMA and professional wrestling communities, Raja Jackson—the son of UFC legend Quinton "Rampage" Jackson—has avoided trial by striking a plea deal following a brutal in-ring assault that left a pro wrestler hospitalized.
The 26-year-old Jackson was originally charged with felony battery and misdemeanor battery after a violent incident at a Knockx wrestling event near Los Angeles in August 2025. Instead of appearing in court for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, Jackson reached an agreement with prosecutors. Court records show he pleaded no-contest to one felony count of battery with serious bodily injury, also admitting to personal infliction of great bodily injury and engaging in violent conduct.
The attack targeted professional wrestler Syko Stu, whose real name is Stuart Smith. What was supposed to be a planned interference spot in a match quickly turned dangerous when Jackson went off-script. Video footage shows Jackson picking Smith up and slamming him hard to the ground, then unleashing over 20 punches—many of which landed after Smith appeared to be unconscious. Other wrestlers eventually pulled Jackson away.
Smith spent several days in intensive care, suffering trauma to both upper and lower jaws, a lacerated upper lip, a fractured maxilla bone, and the loss of several teeth. The incident was reportedly sparked by a separate moment earlier in the event, when Smith—mistaking Jackson for another wrestler—hit him with a beer can in an attempt to hype the crowd.
Jackson's sentencing is scheduled for June 22. According to the District Attorney's Office, his anticipated sentence includes 90 days in county jail, restitution of $81,703.38 to Smith, and two years of formal probation.
For fans who follow combat sports closely, this case is a sobering reminder of how quickly violence can escalate outside the controlled environment of a sanctioned fight. While Rampage Jackson built a legendary career on controlled aggression inside the Octagon, this incident shows the real-world consequences when that aggression spills over without rules or referees.