Rob Van Dam has offered a unique perspective on the recent, violent incident involving Raja Jackson and Syko Stu, alleging that Jackson was manipulated into the attack. Speaking on his 1 of a Kind podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer argued that Jackson was ultimately used as a “tool” by others involved in the situation.
RVD based his assessment on Jackson’s own admission of knowing little about the wrestling business and his recent claims of suffering from concussion symptoms.
“He says he’s got concussion symptoms. His head is really f*cking with him a lot. He doesn’t seem like he’s the sharpest tool in the shed.”
According to RVD, Jackson was simply following instructions from others after becoming angered. He specified that another individual, AJ Mana, encouraged Jackson to deliver a “receipt” to Stu in the ring and promised to back him up if any issues arose.
When the confrontation occurred, RVD suggested that Jackson lost control in a blind rage. He explained that Jackson was likely “seeing red” and may not have been fully aware of the extent of the damage he was causing as he threw unanswered punches until being pulled off by others.
“He might not know that. And he lost it. It looks like he lost it.”
While acknowledging that Jackson “took it too far” and has anger issues, RVD primarily defined the incident as a “miscommunication.” He believes there was an agreement for a physical confrontation, but the situation escalated beyond the initial plan. RVD ultimately labeled Jackson as the “weakest link” in the group for being unable to think for himself.
RVD’s viewpoint contrasts sharply with that of Mark Henry, who previously blamed Syko Stu for initiating the incident by throwing a beer can. Meanwhile, the public fallout continues, with a fan petition demanding the LAPD arrest Raja Jackson for the assault, which occurred at a KnokX Pro event on August 23 and left Stu hospitalized with broken facial bones.