Former UFC fighter Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson has spoken out after his son was the subject of criticism following a brutal attack on a fellow wrestler.
Raja Jackson hospitalised an independent wrestler and caused him serious facial injuries following a brutal, unplanned attack during Knokx Pro Wrestling's show in Los Angeles, California.
The incident stemmed from an earlier altercation between wrestler Stuart Smith – also known as Syko Stu - and Raja before the 25-year-old apologised after smashing a can of beer on Smith’s head.
Following the altercation, the pair came face-to-face in the ring when Raja interrupted Smith’s tag team match later in the event.
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Jackson proceeded to climb into the ring before slamming Smith onto the canvas, which seemingly left him unconscious.
And rather than allowing medics to intervene, Raja repeatedly landed blows on Smith before being pulled off by other wrestlers.
Shortly after the incident, Knokx Pro Wrestling released a statement.
"This egregious act is reprehensible and never should have occurred,” the organisation wrote.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with our brother Mr Stuart Smith (Syko Stu) as he remains a priority and we are monitoring his well-being.
"In the 17 years of operation of KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, there has never been anything as heinous take place such as this, and we apologize to our patrons and fans."
TMZ have since reported that the Los Angeles Police have opened an investigation into the incident.
Raja’s father, Quinton, has spoken out about his son’s behaviour and given his thoughts on the incident.
"Raja was told that he could get his 'payback' in the ring,” Rampage wrote on social media on Sunday.
“I thought it was a part of the show. It was bad judgment.”
He added: "As a father, I'm deeply concerned with his health and the well-being of Mr Smith. I'm very upset that any of this happened, but my main concern now is that Mr Smith will make a speedy recovery."
Then, on August 27, Rampage discussed the incident further during a live stream.
“I don’t condone what my son did,” the former UFC light heavyweight champion admitted.
“I’m going to let justice play out… I just wish I could’ve been there. Hopefully, one day I can meet Syko Stu and shake his hand. I hope he can forgive me, as a dad, for not understanding everything.”
Meanwhile, Smith’s brother provided an update on his condition, explaining how he was “stable but in critical care” as of Sunday evening.
Luke Davies