Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has stated he is receiving death threats amid a wave of online backlash following a violent, real-life incident involving his son, Raja Jackson, and independent wrestler Syko Stu. Speaking to reporters at LAX on Monday night, the UFC legend revealed the public response has included racist attacks and criticism of his parenting.
Rampage described the situation as overwhelming, noting, “There’s a lot of racist people giving me death threats and stuff like that.” He also addressed the personal attacks, adding, “A lot of people calling me a bad father… It’s uncalled for.” The former champion kept his comments brief, stating he felt that “Anything I say gets twisted.”
The controversy stems from an altercation at a KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy event in Los Angeles last Saturday. After reportedly being struck with an empty beer can by Syko Stu (Stuart Smith) before the show, Raja Jackson entered the ring for what was intended to be a planned segment. The situation escalated when Raja legitimately knocked out Stu and proceeded to punch him repeatedly, causing serious injuries.
According to Rampage, the incident was supposed to be “a work that went wrong.” Smith, apparently in character, had hit Raja with a can backstage. Upon realizing Raja was not a wrestler, he apologized, and an agreement was made for Raja to get his “receipt” during the match—a plan that devolved into a real assault.
Stuart Smith was hospitalized with what his brother described as “severe injuries to his head,” including facial fractures and numerous lost teeth. By Monday night, he was reported to be conscious and able to talk. A GoFundMe campaign established to cover his medical expenses has already raised over $60,000.
The Los Angeles Police Department is actively investigating the assault as a felony battery, though no arrests have been made. In a public statement, Rampage Jackson condemned his son’s actions, revealing Raja had suffered a concussion just days prior and should not have been involved in any physical contact. KnokX Pro Wrestling also denounced the attack, calling it a “heinous” and “irresponsible act of violence.”
A video later surfaced showing Raja Jackson in a blood-smeared shirt, stating, “I’m fed up with people messing with me, man.” The incident has divided opinions online, with WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry partially blaming Syko Stu for initiating the sequence of events.