Wrestling Academy Trainee Faces felony Charge After Alleged Assault on Veteran Wrestler
PENSACOLA, FL – Raja Jackson, a trainee at the KnokX Pro Entertainment wrestling academy, was arrested and is facing a felony charge of aggravated battery following an incident that left veteran wrestler Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith seriously injured, authorities confirmed. The August 22nd altercation, which occurred during a training session, has sparked outrage within the professional wrestling community and prompted a meaningful outpouring of support for Smith.
The incident unfolded after a heated interaction prior to a scheduled wrestling spot. According to a statement released by KnokX Pro Entertainment on August 24th, the wrestling maneuver transitioned into what they described as a “selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. smith.” The academy’s statement further condemned the actions as unacceptable and emphasized their commitment to a safe training environment.
Smith was reportedly unconscious when he arrived at the emergency room, sustaining trauma to his jaw, a laceration to his upper lip, and a fracture to the maxilla bone (upper jaw bone), resulting in the loss of several teeth. Douglas Malo, a wrestler who intervened to stop the alleged attack, previously told USA TODAY, “He was choking on his own blood and teeth…Somebody reminded me there’s kids there and then I was like ‘oh my God.'”
As of August 31st, Smith had been discharged from the hospital and was resting at home, according to a Facebook post on his page.A GoFundMe page created by his wife, Contessa Patterson, has raised over $222,000 to help cover medical expenses, recovery support, and lost income.
The incident has drawn attention from outside the wrestling world, including comments from Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Raja Jackson’s father and a former MMA fighter. Speaking on “The AH Show” on September 3rd, Jackson stated, “I think (Raja) should do a little time…Do a little community service and go to anger management classes.”
This case highlights the inherent risks within professional wrestling training and the critical importance of safety protocols. While controlled aggression is a component of the sport,the line between performance and assault is a serious concern,and legal repercussions can be severe.
