In a recent appearance on The F’Yall Podcast, wrestler AJ Mana forcefully denied any responsibility for the physical altercation involving MMA fighter Raja Jackson and wrestler Syko Stu at a Knokx Pro show, claiming he is being made a scapegoat by the promotion. Mana stated he was merely a talent following instructions and not a promoter with creative control.
“I carried out what was told to me to f*ing do,” Mana said. “Fact: I was unaware that by carrying out what I was told to do, I would then be scapegoated to protect them.”
The incident Mana referred to occurred on August 23, when Raja Jackson, son of former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, entered the ring and attacked Syko Stu Smith. The attack, which left Smith with severe head injuries, allegedly stemmed from an earlier confrontation where Smith struck Jackson with a can.
Contradicting previous reports that the situation was a “work that went wrong,” Mana claimed there was never a planned storyline with Jackson. He asserted that Jackson was present at the event to finalize a streaming deal between Knokx Pro and his father’s podcast, not to participate in an angle. According to Mana, Jackson was even provided a VIP ticket by the promotion’s security.
Mana further alleged that the initial confrontation involving the can was a “shoot,” stating the can was not a prop and that Syko Stu was aware Jackson was a guest and not a contracted performer. “You saw everything in the video! That camera never stopped rolling, that camera was on me the entire time to protect me and to protect Raja and to prevent bulls** speculation!” Mana added. h/t Wrestling Inc.
Mana’s account stands in direct opposition to the official statement released by Knokx Pro on August 25. The promotion, owned by WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, described the incident as a “planned and agreed upon wrestling spot” that escalated into a “selfish, irresponsible act of violence.” On the same day, allegations emerged on the Scaling Up Podcast that Knokx Pro management had instructed its talent not to cooperate with the police investigation into the matter.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed it is investigating the attack as a felony battery. As of August 27, Syko Stu Smith had regained consciousness and was able to speak, though his brother noted he faces a “difficult recovery ahead.” No arrests had been made as of August 25.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson issued an apology on August 24, characterizing the event as a “work that went wrong” and noting that his son had suffered a concussion just days prior. Following the attack, which was broadcast live, Raja Jackson’s account on the streaming platform Kick was suspended.