In a significant development within the professional wrestling community, WWE has removed KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy from its official WWE ID partner schools list following the controversial incident involving Raja Jackson at a recent KnokX event. This move effectively ends the long-standing partnership between WWE and the California-based training school, shaking the indie wrestling world and raising important safety and policy questions.
The Raja Jackson Incident: A Harrowing Turn of Events
The catalyst for WWE’s decisive action was a violent and unscripted attack during a KnokX Pro Wrestling event over the past weekend. Raja Jackson, son of MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, launched a brutal real-life assault on wrestler Stuart Smith, known in-ring as Syko Stu.
What was supposed to be a planned wrestling spot spiraled out of control when Jackson legitimately knocked out Syko Stu in the ring. Jackson continued to land multiple punches on an unconscious Stu until others intervened. The attack left Stu hospitalized in a stable but critical condition, prompting an official investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)[1][2][5].
The incident sparked widespread shock and condemnation from across the wrestling community. KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy publicly condemned the act as a “selfish, irresponsible act of violence” and expressed deep concern for Stu’s wellbeing, emphasizing that such conduct had never occurred in the school’s 17 years of operation[2][5].
WWE’s Swift Response: Severing Ties
By Monday, August 25, 2025, WWE had quietly but clearly cut its ties with KnokX Pro by removing all references to the promotion and its academy from the WWE Talent Recruitment website. Notably, KnokX Pro was one of five official WWE ID schools, alongside Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, Seth Rollins’s Black & Brave Academy, Cody Rhodes’s Nightmare Factory, and the Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center[1][2].
WWE has yet to release an official public statement regarding the decision. However, sources close to WWE management indicate that the company takes talent safety and professional conduct very seriously, especially within the WWE ID developmental system designed to groom future stars for the promotion.
According to a WWE insider, “WWE leadership views the KnokX incident as a severe breach of trust and professionalism. Protecting the safety and integrity of talent is paramount; therefore, continuing any affiliation with an academy tied to such an incident was untenable”[3].
KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy’s Background and Impact
Founded in 2009 in California, KnokX Pro Wrestling was co-founded and operated by WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi alongside Reno Anoa’i. Over its 17 years, it developed a reputation as a nurturing ground for emerging wrestling talent in Southern California.
The school’s inclusion in WWE’s ID program in 2024 reflected its importance in the independent wrestling scene and its connection to WWE’s broader talent pipeline. The WWE ID program supports independent wrestling schools and promotions with the goal of scouting and preparing the “Next In Line” (NIL) stars for WWE’s big stage[3].
The incident involving Raja Jackson has not only marred KnokX’s reputation but also jeopardized the future of the promotion, with insiders speculating that WWE’s disengagement could lead to a significant downturn or even closure of the academy, given the loss of official backing[3][4].
The Wrestling Community’s Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The violent act has sent ripples far beyond KnokX and WWE, resonating throughout the wrestling world’s tight-knit community. Many wrestlers and promoters voiced their disgust and concern for Syko Stu’s recovery.
Veteran wrestler Rusev, who had trained with Stu, expressed heartfelt concern publicly, highlighting the camaraderie and mutual respect prevalent in wrestling despite the competitive nature of the business.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate the assault, with the incident’s livestream by Jackson on the Kick platform leading to his ban from the service[2][5].
Jackson’s father, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, contributed publicly as well, denying claims that promotion officials instructed Raja to “punch harder,” underscoring the complexity and severity of the incident[5].
What This Means for WWE’s Developmental Approach
WWE’s decision to disassociate from KnokX Pro underscores the importance of maintaining strict standards for safety, professionalism, and conduct among developmental partners. The WWE ID program was designed to foster growth under trusted and respected affiliates, and incidents like the Raja Jackson attack threaten the system’s integrity.
With KnokX Pro’s removal, WWE’s list of official partnered schools is now limited to:
- Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling
- Seth Rollins’s Black & Brave Academy
- Cody Rhodes & QT Marshall’s Nightmare Factory
- Mike Hollow & Scott Reed’s Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center[1][2]
These schools continue to serve as trusted feeders and training centers for WWE’s burgeoning talent, with enhanced oversight likely in place post-incident.
Looking Ahead: Unanswered Questions and Industry Implications
The future of KnokX Pro Academy remains uncertain. As insiders note, losing WWE’s endorsement could be a crippling blow given the financial and reputational advantages the WWE ID affiliation provided.
Additionally, the incident raises broader industry questions about independent wrestling safety protocols and the enforcement of scripted performance versus real violence. Promoters and governing bodies may revisit regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
A promoter close to the independent scene commented, “This incident is a wake-up call for all wrestling schools. The line between entertainment and actual violence has to be respected or we risk endangering performers and the integrity of the business.”
Final Thoughts
The Raja Jackson incident at KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy marks one of the most serious in-ring controversies in recent memory, triggering WWE to sever ties with one of its key developmental partners. As Syko Stu recovers and the investigation continues, the wrestling industry faces renewed scrutiny on how it manages safety and professionalism in its grassroots organizations.
Fans, wrestlers, and promoters alike watch closely as the fallout unfolds, hoping for accountability and safer conditions moving forward. WWE’s response highlights its intent to maintain stringent oversight, prioritizing the protection of talent and the longevity of the wrestling business at large.