What was essentially a pre-determined contest at an indie wrestling show turned out to be a vicious, jaw-dropping incident that saw one individual end up at the hospital and that shook the whole business to its core. Raja Jackson, UFC legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s son, ran into one of the wrestling rings during a live broadcast by way of Kick and was slinging real, unprotected punches at the head of unconscious wrestler Stewart Smith, more commonly known by his ring name Syko Stu, lying on the mat.
The now-widely seen viral video on social media within hours captures Raja brushing aside apologies by bystanders and police officers to cease attacking, becoming increasingly angry while confronted by a stunned crowd.
“I don’t play that shit… I’m tired of everybody playing with me,”
Raja ranted as he attacked, his words burning into the memory of all viewers forever who saw the moment live on television.
Rampage’s Public Response
Rampage Jackson himself was reportedly viewing another livestream with YouTuber Sneako at the time the violent video was streamed. He was reportedly stunned, taking up social media shortly after to discuss the matter.
“I want to clear up the misinformation about my son Raja. The wrestler (Stewart Smith) is awake and stable. Raja was told he could get his ‘payback’ in the ring as a part of the show. It was bad judgment, and a work that went wrong,” wrote Rampage.
The UFC great admitted that his son was neither professionally trained to wrestle nor just suffered through a concussion from sparring in MMA, so entering the contest was irresponsible at best.
“As a father, I’m deeply concerned with his health AND the well-being of Mr. Smith. That being said, I’m very upset 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.”
The Shocker Twist: Revenge, Not a SCRIPT
Film excerpts of some older Raja interviews and others paint a grimmer image. Raja is said to have remarked:
“They told me I could hit him for real. I’ll tell you guys this, I’m going to hit him as many times as I can. Watch.”
Perhaps it was no coincidence or error but instead acts of vengeance beforehand for a lone battle reportedly started earlier today, when Smith allegedly hit Raja on the forehead backstage.
The outcome: a “staged” wrestling stunt turned into a genuine attack with individuals, including paying spectators, in attendance.
The Victim: A Veteran Who Uses Wrestling as Therapy
What’s so tragic is that Raja attacked. Stewart Smith, also known as Syko Stu, is not some free agent wrestler. The guy’s a U.S. Army veteran and has talked about how pro wrestling was one of his lifelines during the time he was suffering from PTSD.
“I joined Knox Pro because I needed something to focus on. A lot of veterans, it’s hard for them to readjust to civilian life. Wrestling gave me something to hold onto. Being in front of a crowd doesn’t give me as much anxiety and aggression as I thought it would,” revealed Smith in one of his earlier interviews.
For a man already fighting intangibles, to be duly knocked out cold in the middle of what was supposed to have been a staged show is pure tragedy.
Kick Bans Raja Jackson After Wrestler Flattens
Throughout the following hours, matters only grew darker. The news near the scuffle confirmed that Stewart “Syko Stu” Smith briefly flatlined following the beating before he was revived by paramedics at the scene. The jaw-dropping news was sufficient to prompt streaming service Kick to immediately suspend Raja Jackson’s account from the service, claiming “violent and disturbing behavior while live streaming.”
Graphic video that has been shared online appears to show Raja moving across the parking lot at night following the confrontation, screaming into his phone with what appears to be blood on his clothes.
Although we do not know the context of the clip, that of the son of Rampage Jackson storming off the scene with bloodstains has only fueled the controversy. What was a gimmick of a wrestling stunt once has escalated into a real-life controversy of assault, hospitalization, and life suspension from one of the fastest-growing livestreaming sites of the web.
