Raja Jackson to face two charges in Syko Stu attack
Raja Jackson will face two charges concerning his August attack on indie wrestler Syko Stu (real name Stuart Smith) that drew worldwide criticism and media attention.
First reported by the Los Angeles Times, Jackson will be charged with one count of felony battery that caused serious bodily injury and one count of misdemeanor battery. The attack took place at a show for KnokX Pro Wrestling on August 23. What was originally a planned spot turned into a legitimate situation with Jackson — the son of UFC legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson — bloodying Stu and sending him to the hospital. The attack came after Stu had struck Jackson in the head with a beer can backstage.
“Prosecutors will also seek a sentencing enhancement because Jackson allegedly caused Stuart Smith to suffer great bodily injury,” the LA Times wrote. “Smith, known as Syko Stu in the ring, lost several teeth and suffered a laceration to his lip during the attack, which saw Jackson body slam the wrestler and then punch him in the head and face more than 20 times.
“A criminal complaint is expected to be filed Tuesday, according to the district attorney’s office. Calls and emails to Jackson and his representatives were not immediately returned. It was not clear if he had retained an attorney.”
Following an investigation by the LAPD, Jackson was arrested in September for the attack. He is out on bail and will have an arraignment in court this week.
Jackson was a streamer on Kick before his account was banned from the platform over this incident.
Stu was released from the hospital at the end of August but still has a long road ahead to full recovery. A GoFundMe campaign to help support him raised more than $220,000 dollars. YouTube star Mr. Beast, Chris Jericho, Finn Balor, Nic Nemeth, Jack Perry, and Swerve Strickland were among the top donors.
KnokX Pro Wrestling — which is both a promotion and training school — had its WWE ID affiliation terminated after Jackson’s actions.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.