Son of MMA Legend ‘Rampage’ Jackson Pleads Not Guilty in Alleged Attack on Pro Wrestler

LOS ANGELES – The son of mixed martial arts icon Quinton “Rampage” Jackson is facing serious legal trouble following a violent altercation at a professional wrestling event.

Raja Jackson, 25, appeared in court this week and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges stemming from an incident that took place during a wrestling show in August. Prosecutors have charged Jackson with one felony count of battery causing bodily injury and one misdemeanor count of battery, according to court records obtained by USA TODAY.

The case, which has attracted widespread attention due to the Jackson family’s fame in combat sports, will now move forward to a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 24 at the San Fernando Courthouse in Los Angeles County.

If convicted on the felony count, Jackson could face up to four years in prison, though prosecutors are pursuing an enhancement that could increase the potential maximum sentence to seven years.

From the Octagon to the Headlines

Raja Jackson is the son of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, a legendary figure in the world of MMA and a former UFC light heavyweight champion known for his knockout power, charisma, and rivalry with stars like Wanderlei Silva and Jon Jones.

While the elder Jackson has largely stepped away from fighting, he remains a visible figure in combat sports through media appearances and training ventures. Raja, on the other hand, has sought to build his own identity — though not necessarily in MMA. Instead, he had been exploring opportunities in professional wrestling, an industry where showmanship and physicality collide.

That ambition, however, took a dark turn on August 23, when a live wrestling performance allegedly spiraled out of control.

What Happened at the “Knox Experience”

The alleged assault occurred during a live-streamed event hosted by KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, known for blending scripted performance with legitimate athleticism.

According to multiple eyewitnesses and video footage reviewed by USA TODAY, Raja Jackson entered the ring in what appeared to be a planned “run-in” segment — a common theatrical trope in professional wrestling where an unannounced figure interrupts a match for dramatic effect.

However, what was intended to be scripted quickly turned violent.

In the video, Jackson can be seen picking up and slamming wrestler Stuart Smith, who performs under the name Syko Stu, before punching him repeatedly. The attack left Smith motionless on the mat as stunned spectators and fellow performers rushed to intervene.

The wrestling academy later released a public statement condemning Jackson’s actions, calling the incident a “selfish, irresponsible act of violence” that went far beyond the agreed-upon performance.

The Aftermath: Injuries and Arrest

Smith was hospitalized with serious injuries, including a fractured facial bone and a head injury, according to his own social media post on August 31. In an Instagram update, Smith told fans he was recovering but detailed the severity of the incident:

“I suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured bone in my face and a serious head injury. I’m grateful to be alive and thankful for everyone who’s supported me through this.”

Fellow wrestler Douglas Malo, who intervened during the altercation, later told USA TODAY that Smith “lost a lot of teeth” and that the scene quickly devolved into chaos. Malo himself was allegedly assaulted during the melee — a separate confrontation that led to the misdemeanor battery charge against Jackson.

Following the incident, Raja Jackson was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department in September and later released on $50,000 bail. His attorney, Michael Freedman, confirmed Jackson’s not-guilty plea but declined to comment further on the ongoing case.

What’s Next for Raja Jackson

The upcoming November 24 preliminary hearing will determine whether there’s sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. If convicted, Jackson could face years in prison and a significant blemish on a budding entertainment career.

Legal experts note that California law treats battery with bodily injury as a “wobbler” offense — meaning it can be prosecuted either as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances. The prosecution’s pursuit of an enhanced sentence suggests they view the alleged assault as particularly severe.

A Legacy Overshadowed

The case has inevitably drawn comparisons to Raja’s father, Rampage Jackson, whose own fighting career was built on raw aggression — though always within the rules of professional competition.

Rampage, who has not publicly commented on the case, earned his nickname through an explosive fighting style and was celebrated for his knockout slams and magnetic personality inside the UFC cage.

However, the younger Jackson’s alleged outburst at a wrestling event raises uncomfortable questions about inherited fame, personal responsibility, and the pressures of following a famous parent’s path.

While Raja’s involvement in wrestling was initially seen as a chance to establish his own brand in sports entertainment, the incident has instead thrust him into the center of a criminal case that could define his public image for years to come.

The Wrestling Community Reacts

Within the wrestling community, reactions have ranged from outrage to disbelief. The KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, founded by veteran performers intent on developing young talent, expressed deep disappointment over the event’s outcome.

“This was meant to be a showcase of skill and storytelling,” the academy’s statement read. “Instead, it became a moment of unnecessary real-world violence that put a performer’s safety at risk.”

Fans of independent wrestling — known for its passionate and tight-knit culture — have taken to social media to debate the blurred line between scripted action and reality. Some argued that Jackson’s inexperience and misunderstanding of performance boundaries may have contributed to the incident, while others believe his actions were deliberate and malicious.

Broader Implications

The case also underscores a recurring challenge within professional wrestling: the balance between theatrics and safety. While wrestling is choreographed, it demands precise coordination, trust, and communication between performers. When that trust breaks, the results can be catastrophic.

As the legal process unfolds, both the MMA and wrestling communities are watching closely. Raja Jackson’s name, once tied to promise and lineage, now sits at the intersection of celebrity scrutiny and criminal accountability.

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