Kick streamer Raja Jackson, the son of UFC legend Rampage Jackson, has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a pro wrestler during a live broadcast.
On August 23, Jackson barged into the ring at KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy while livestreaming on Kick and repeatedly punched wrestler Syko Stu, whose real name is Stewart Smith.
The incident followed an earlier encounter where Stu thought Jackson’s involvement was part of the act and pretended to hit the streamer with a beer. Although they briefly made amends, promoters reportedly tried to turn the tension into a storyline. But when Jackson returned to the ring, the punches were very real.
Stu suffered “very serious” injuries to his face and has since reportedly retired from in-ring action following the incident.
Syko Stu suffered “serious injuries” after the brutal attack from Raja Jackson.
Jackson was arrested nearly a month later in September, and on October 9, he appeared in court in Los Angeles.
As per court documents obtained by USA Today, Jackson faces one felony count of battery with bodily injury and one misdemeanor count of battery. The misdemeanor battery charge stems from a different incident involving wrestler Douglas Malo, who stepped in to break up the assault.
Prosecutors want Raja Jackson in jail for 7 years
According to reports, Jackson faces up to four years in prison on the felony charge, but prosecutors are seeking a great bodily injury enhancement that could increase the maximum sentence to seven years. The misdemeanor charge carries up to six months in jail.
Jackson pleading not guilty to the charges and will be back in court for a preliminary hearing on November 24 at the San Fernando Courthouse in Los Angeles. The hearing will ultimately determine if the case goes to trial.
The 25-year-old streamer remained quiet in court and his lawyer, Michael Freedman, refused to comment beyond the not guilty plea.
Countless videos related to the incident from Raja’s stream have been posted across social media. In one, filmed just before the brawl, Jackson told viewers it was his “dream to f**k up a pro wrestler” and warned he was “really going to hit him.”
KnokX Pro condemned the attack as “a selfish, irresponsible act of violence.” Once affiliated with WWE’s Independent Development program, the academy has since been quietly distanced from the company.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe to cover Stu’s medical expenses has raised nearly $225,000 at the time of writing.
Kick banned Jackson’s account shortly after the viral altercation.
