The son of UFC legend 'Rampage' Jackson has been arrested for pro-wrestling assault
Raja Jackson, the son of Ultimate Fighting Championship star Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, was arrested Thursday in connection with an August 2025 brawl that authorities say crossed the line from wrestling to actual assault, officials said.
Jackson admitted that he will not compete against him in May after being beaten by wrestling champion Stuart Smith at the KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy event in Sun Valley. Smith, who wrestles under the handle “Syko Stu,” said he suffered severe head and facial injuries after Jackson tackled him to the ground and punched him about 20 times.
Under the terms of the deal, Jackson must serve 90 days in jail, spend two years on formal probation and pay $81,000 in restitution to Smith. He was taken into custody on Thursday and will complete his agreed-upon prison term, then be released at his next hearing in late September, said his attorney, Michael Freedman.
Jackson, a professional martial artist, was a guest performer on the KnokX show and was live streaming his tour when Smith smashed a beer can into Jackson's head backstage. Video of the incident showed Smith apologizing to Jackson shortly afterward, saying he was acting and believed the 25-year-old was a “worker,” meaning he was part of the wrestling industry.
Professional wrestling violence is often scripted, with both sides agreeing to punch, kick, throw and sometimes weapons to tell a violent story in the ring or on camera. Wrestlers must stay in shape in front of the fans, a concept known as “kayfabe.”
Later in the show, Jackson ran to the ring during Smith's match. While that kind of dramatic concussion is common during wrestling, Smith appeared to pass out as soon as Jackson's body slammed into him. He didn't seem to move or defend himself as Jackson hit him with punch after punch.
“What happened affected me deeply and I do not underestimate the seriousness of it,” Smith said in court Thursday. “The injuries I sustained led to a long and difficult recovery that I am still trying to recover from, including treatment for a severe brain injury, a broken maxilla and a bone grafting procedure.”
Other athletes who witnessed the incident last year told The Times they believed Smith was human. It wasn't clear whether Jackson understood that. Freedman declined to comment outside court Thursday.
“The issue of what elements of the conflict were documented versus real was discussed and considered, but did not reflect the seriousness of the harm caused or the personal responsibility of the defendant for causing it,” the Los Angeles County district attorney's office said in a statement earlier this year.
Jackson did not speak during Thursday's hearing.
Smith said he suffered memory loss and reduced cognitive function as a result of the attack and was unable to work for nearly a year. But in the end, Smith said he forgave Jackson.
“I'm not standing here with a grudge for revenge. I don't hold a grudge against Mr. Jackson,” Smith said in court. “People can make bad decisions in difficult times.”
