Former WWE head writer Vince Russo stated that TKO CEO Ari Emanuel is likely incensed over WWE’s recent affiliation with KnokX Pro Wrestling following a violent, unscripted attack involving Raja Jackson. Speaking on his BroDown podcast, Russo speculated that top executives at WWE’s parent company would demand accountability after seeing footage of the incident.
Russo argued that the controversy has significant implications for WWE due to its ID program, which was connected to the independent promotion at the time of the attack. He believes Emanuel and the TKO board would be shocked by the footage that circulated last week.
“Here’s another part of the story that nobody is talking that blows my mind. Bro, the WWE was affiliated with this company,” Russo said. “Can you imagine Ari Emanuel and the executives at TKO seeing the same things we saw and then saying, ‘Who made the decision that it was a good idea for our company to be associated with them?'”
Russo’s comments stem from an incident on August 23rd, where Raja Jackson, son of MMA fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, brutally assaulted wrestler Syko Stu (Stuart Smith) in the ring at a KnokX Pro show. The situation reportedly began when Smith, in character, struck Jackson with a beer can backstage. Although they agreed Jackson would get a receipt in the ring, the planned work devolved into a real assault when Jackson delivered a spinebuster and followed up with multiple stiff punches to the head of a seemingly unconscious Smith.
The attack left Syko Stu hospitalized with severe head injuries, including facial fractures. In the aftermath of the incident, KnokX Pro Wrestling reportedly lost its WWE ID affiliation. Russo emphasized that the event could damage WWE’s credibility, prompting what he expects will be a severe reaction from TKO leadership.
The fallout for Jackson has continued, as he was recently banned from a scheduled appearance at an upcoming Danger Pro Wrestling event in Southern California. Syko Stu is currently recovering from his injuries and has been reported to be out of immediate danger.