Raja Jackson, the son of former UFC mild heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, reached a plea deal this week in a felony battery case. The 26-year-old entered a plea of no contest to at least one cost of battery inflicting severe bodily harm at a court docket listening to on Wednesday. He additionally admitted two particular fees of inflicting grievous bodily hurt and assault.
The incident dates again to Aug. 23, 2025, at a Knox Professional Wrestling occasion in Solar Valley, California. Jackson, who has a 4-0 novice combined martial arts file, was concerned in a collision within the parking zone that night time with wrestler Stuart “Psycho Stu” Smith. Smith, a U.S. Military veteran, hit Jackson with a beer can backstage as a part of a scripted angle. They then shook fingers, however Jackson entered the ring throughout Smith’s match and, after Smith was knocked unconscious, delivered over 20 punches to the face with a head-first physique slam. The opposite wrestlers pulled Jackson away. The complete incident was livestreamed on Kick, and his account was later banned.
Raja Jackson terminates plea deal in high-profile wrestler assault case
Raja Jackson settled his felony case with out going to trial, at the least nearly. By making the most of a plea deal and getting into a no-appeal plea to a felony cost of significant bodily harm, he prevented the danger of a full battle below the unique phrases of the case, which might have resulted in as much as seven years in jail if convicted. Raja Jackson’s plea deal successfully ends the battle over his guilt, along with his sentence anticipated to be determined at a listening to in late June until the court docket rejects the deal.
Mr Smith was taken to the hospital’s intensive care unit with trauma to his higher and decrease jaw, a severed lip, a fractured higher jaw and lacking tooth. He remained in vital situation for a number of days, was discharged from the hospital on August thirty first, and is at present recuperating at residence. A GoFundMe has raised greater than $222,000 for his medical payments and misplaced wages from donors together with Chris Jericho ($2,500) and MrBeast ($10,000). Pal Douglas Maro mentioned Smith’s wrestling days seem like over. He wasn’t younger to start with.
Police had been alerted to the tried homicide that night time, however Jackson left. The Los Angeles Police Division investigated for a number of weeks. They arrested him on suspicion of a felony on Sept. 18 and set bail at $50,000. Formal fees had been filed on October eighth. He faces one felony cost (as much as 4 years) involving severe bodily harm and one misdemeanor cost, with a further three years suspended, for a complete of seven years in jail. Mr. Jackson pleaded not responsible on October 10. A preliminary listening to is scheduled for November twenty fourth.
Rampage Jackson spoke up instantly after. He minimize off contact, calling it a shame to his status and blaming his son’s judgment for his latest concussion. He mentioned in an interview that jail time, neighborhood service, anger administration and remedy had been applicable and never a full jail sentence. Knox Professional Wrestling Academy referred to as it egocentric violence and severed ties. Dave Meltzer referred to as this the worst ring incident he had seen. Over 5,000 signatures have been signed calling for his arrest.
Beneath the settlement, a Los Angeles County Lawyer’s Workplace spokesperson mentioned Smith shall be sentenced to 90 days in county jail, $81,703.38 in restitution to be paid earlier than sentencing, and two years of formal probation. The decision shall be handed down on the finish of June. Jackson has to pay first. The settlement wraps up an affair that started with a failed wrestling spot and garnered consideration from each the MMA and indie circuits.
