In a decisive move, WWE has severed its affiliation with Knokx Pro, the Los Angeles-based wrestling school co-founded by Hall of Famer Rikishi. This development follows the highly controversial and disturbing incident involving Raja Jackson, son of UFC legend Rampage Jackson, who assaulted a fellow independent wrestler during a Knokx Pro event. The fallout from this altercation has led Knokx Pro to remove all WWE ID branding from their social media platforms, signaling an official end to their partnership with WWE’s independent development system.
What Led to WWE’s Disaffiliation from Knokx Pro?
The catalyst for WWE’s split with Knokx Pro was an incident on August 23, 2025, where Raja Jackson violently attacked Syko Stu during a live-streamed event hosted by Knokx Pro. The assault was not part of the scripted wrestling program; it was a legitimate and deeply concerning attack that drew immediate backlash across social media and the wrestling world[4]. The footage showed Raja Jackson beating Syko Stu unconscious, sparking widespread condemnation from industry professionals and fans alike.
As a result, WWE faced mounting pressure to take action against Knokx Pro, which up until recently had been a key participant in the WWE Independent Development (WWE ID) program. The WWE ID initiative, launched in late 2024, was designed to extend WWE’s developmental reach beyond its Orlando Performance Center by affiliating with top independent wrestling schools. Knokx Pro was one of the original WWE ID partner schools, alongside prominent names like Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory and Seth Rollins’ Black and Brave Academy[4][5].
Knokx Pro’s Response: Removing WWE ID Branding
In the aftermath of the incident, Knokx Pro moved swiftly to distance itself from WWE’s WWE ID program by erasing all mentions of the partnership on their social media accounts and digital branding[1][2]. This included deleting the WWE ID logos from their headers and promotional materials, effectively signaling the end of their official ties.
“Knokx Pro has removed every trace of WWE ID affiliation as a direct consequence of the incident involving Raja Jackson,” noted Ringside News in their coverage of the story[2]. The decision to dissociate appears to be both a damage control measure and a tacit acknowledgment of WWE’s stance following the attack.
Why WWE Had No Choice but to Cut Ties
According to sources close to WWE, the company’s leadership found it untenable to maintain a formal affiliation with Knokx Pro given the severity of the situation. One insider stated, “WWE simply cannot allow any partner to operate with such reckless disregard for the safety and professionalism that WWE demands. Knokx Pro’s handling of the incident and the conduct of one of its own talent had WWE’s hands tied”[3].
WWE’s developmental policy for WWE ID-affiliated schools emphasizes mentorship, controlled environments, and safety protocols designed to nurture talent responsibly. The violent outburst contradicts these principles in the most direct way.
What is WWE ID and Why Was Knokx Pro a Key Partner?
WWE ID (Independent Development) was conceived as a cornerstone program to scout and nurture independent wrestling talent. Established in October 2024, WWE ID expanded the recruitment pipeline by affiliating with select respected wrestling schools that provide training, mentorship, and exposure under the WWE banner[5]. These schools received WWE ID designation and helped guide promising athletes through their careers with access to training facilities, financial opportunities, and WWE media platforms.
Knokx Pro Academy, operated by Rikishi, brought notable wrestling pedigree and credibility to the program while serving as a prime location for Los Angeles-area emerging wrestlers[4][5]. Their exit leaves a notable void in WWE ID’s presence on the West Coast independent scene.
The Broader Impact and Industry Reaction
This incident and severance underscore the challenges WWE faces in balancing independent partnerships with its strict corporate standards. Many within the wrestling community have praised WWE for taking swift action.
A WWE insider remarked, “It was a hard but necessary decision to protect the integrity of WWE ID and to send a clear message that violence outside the scripted product won’t be tolerated, no matter who you are or who you’re related to.”[3]
Meanwhile, independent wrestling circles are adapting to the news, with some promoters expressing concern over the long-term implications for the developmental system.
What’s Next for Knokx Pro and the Former WWE ID Talent?
With the WWE ID affiliation severed, Knokx Pro now faces the dual challenges of rehabilitating its reputation while maintaining its position within the independent wrestling ecosystem. Sources suggest the school is reviewing its operational and disciplinary policies to prevent future incidents.
For the wrestlers who once benefited from the WWE ID connection through Knokx Pro, such as prospects training under WWE’s developmental umbrella, the pathway to WWE may now be more complex but not necessarily closed. WWE continues to maintain partnerships with other ID schools, ensuring multiple avenues remain for emerging wrestlers.
Final Thoughts
The removal of WWE ID affiliation from Knokx Pro marks a significant rupture in WWE’s strategic effort to integrate and uplift independent wrestling schools. While WWE’s ID program remains intact with other partners, the fallout from the Raja Jackson incident serves as a reminder of the high standards and accountability the company demands across all of its developmental platforms.
This story is still developing, and wrestling fans and industry watchers will be closely monitoring how Knokx Pro navigates its future without the WWE ID banner, and whether WWE will reconsider any partnership terms moving forward.