Knokx Pro Management Allegedly Asking Wrestlers Not To Cooperate With Police Over Raja Jackson Incident Without Speaking To Them First

Management for Rikishi and Reno Anoa'i's Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy have allegedly asked wrestlers not to cooperate with the police investigation into the Raja Jackson incident without speaking to the pro wrestling promotion first.

On the Scaling Up podcast, a former wrestler named Ian shared screenshots from Knokx Pro on Facebook Messenger about the Raja Jackson incident, showing messages from Knokx Pro's KT King (real name Kevin Thomas) saying: "If Law Enforcement or an attorney for the suspect contacts you in any capacity, let someone here know right away for guidance on how to address them."

A message from someone named Miguel in the Knokx Pro group chat on Messenger also told talent, "No one needs to be discussing anything I'll shut this feed down please." Several wrestlers simply responded with, "Yes sir." Reno Anoa'i also claimed elsewhere in the group chat that Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu and others were supporting him.

The messages come after a serious incident at Knokx Pro's event on Saturday, August 23 which saw Raja Jackson, the son of Rampage Jackson, attack Syko Stu in the ring. Jackson initially slammed Stu, rendering him unconscious, and proceeded to punch the wrestler 21 times until he was pulled away by several wrestlers.

The incident occurred following a misunderstanding backstage earlier in the night which saw Syko Stu hit Raja Jackson with a prop beer can as he thought Raja was a wrestler. Both men eventually shook hands after it was decided Jackson would have a run-in during Stu's match.

Another wrestler named AJ Mana, who invited Jackson to the show, later encouraged him to "give Stu a receipt," and Jackson noted he would be happy as long as he "gets his lick back." Shortly before the planned angle, Jackson said he was going to hit Syko Stu as hard as he could until he was pulled away. All of Jackson's interactions and the attack aired live on his Kick stream.

Syko Stu has been hospitalised since the attack by Raja Jackson. His brother Andrew Smith noted today that his brother is now conscious and able to talk, but he has a difficult recovery ahead.

"Good Evening. Stuart is resting since he sustained severe injures to his head. He is currently conscious and able to talk but will have a difficult recovery ahead. With all the media and social media attention it's been hard to get back to everyone. Stuart Smith appreciates all the love and support. He loves wrestling, his wrestling family, and all his fans and supporters. Wrestling has been a huge part of his life and he lives to put on a performance. He's also just a regular guy with a life and family outside the ring. His wife Contessa has currently set up a go fund me for those wishing to donate. We appreciate all the support during this difficult time, Thank you," Smith wrote on Facebook.

AJ Mana, meanwhile, has issued his own statement on the incident, writing onFacebook:

"I want to take a moment to address the recent incident at KnokX Pro. First and foremost, my thoughts are with Syko Stu and his family - no one ever wants to see a fellow performer get seriously hurt.

"There's been a lot of speculation online about my role that night. The truth is, I was in character and speaking in the language of wrestling. Everything I said was part of the show, and I never intended - or encouraged - real harm. This was a situation that unfortunately got out of hand due to miscommunication behind the scenes.

"Wrestling is built on trust, respect, and protecting each other in the ring. That's what I stand for, and anyone who has worked with me knows that. I respect this business, I respect the fans, and I respect the performers who step between those ropes. I hope we can focus on Stu’s recovery and making sure something like this never happens again."

The GoFundMe for Syko Stu has so far raised over $52,000.