Indie promotion Danger Pro Wrestling is facing backlash after announcing it has booked Raja Jackson for an upcoming event, according to a report from Ringside News. The booking comes just days after Jackson, the son of former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, was involved in a widely publicized and unscripted assault on wrestler Syko Stu, which remains under active investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
The promotion announced the move via its Instagram account, stating it was a “BOLD move” to book the “now-infamous” Jackson. While ticket information was provided, the post noted that an opponent and a specific date for the appearance have yet to be announced.
The decision has ignited debate within the wrestling community. Many fans have criticized the promotion, calling the move disrespectful and unsafe given the severity of the attack on Syko Stu. Others speculate Danger Pro Wrestling is attempting to capitalize on the controversy surrounding Jackson to generate ticket sales. The LAPD’s ongoing investigation into Jackson’s actions has not yet resulted in any charges.
The controversy stems from an incident on Saturday, August 23, during a KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy event in Sun Valley, California. Jackson entered the ring and attacked Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith during a match. The assault, which was livestreamed, showed Jackson slamming Smith to the mat before delivering approximately 23 punches to the head and face of the seemingly unconscious wrestler. The attack was only stopped when other wrestlers and staff intervened.
Following the incident, Smith, a U.S. Army veteran, was hospitalized with severe head injuries. His brother reported on August 26 that he was conscious and able to talk, but faces a “difficult recovery.” A GoFundMe campaign started by his wife to cover medical expenses has raised over $160,000.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson addressed the incident, calling it a “work that went wrong.” He claimed his son was told he could get “payback” in the ring after Syko Stu hit him with a can outside the venue earlier in the day. He also revealed that his son had suffered a concussion from sparring days prior and “had no business doing anything remotely close to physical contact.” The streaming platform Kick has since suspended Raja Jackson’s account in response to the assault.