Former WWE star and licensed lawyer David Otunga has weighed in on the legal ramifications of the Raja Jackson incident, suggesting that the MMA fighter could face a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Otunga analyzed the attack on independent wrestler Syko Stu that took place at a KnokX Pro show on August 23.
Otunga explained that because Jackson is a licensed MMA fighter, his hands and feet are legally considered deadly weapons. “The moment that Syko Stu was knocked unconscious, Raja was just raining down blows upon him,” Otunga said. “That’s assault with a deadly weapon, hands down.”
He also considered other potential charges, stating that while he feels an attempted murder charge would be difficult to prove, a felony battery charge with serious bodily harm is likely. Otunga also pointed to potential civil liabilities not just for Jackson, but also for the promotion and anyone who may have encouraged the attack.
The incident occurred after Jackson entered the ring, slammed Stu to the mat—knocking him unconscious—and then delivered numerous legitimate punches to his head. The LAPD is currently investigating the situation and has filed a felony battery report. The attack was reportedly part of a planned storyline that escalated into a real assault.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Raja’s father, stated that the incident was a “work that went wrong” after Stu hit his son in the head with a beer can earlier in the day. He acknowledged his son’s actions went too far but believes the provocation is being overlooked.
Syko Stu was hospitalized with serious injuries, including a head injury, jaw trauma, and the loss of several teeth. He has since been released and is recovering at home. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from the combat sports community, and Raja Jackson has faced professional consequences, including being banned from the streaming platform Kick and a local independent wrestling promotion.