WWE Severs Ties With Rikishi's Knokx Pro Following Raja Jackson Incident

WWE have reportedly severed ties with Rikishi and Reno Anoa'i's Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy following a serious incident on Saturday, August 23 which saw Raja Jackson punch Syko Stu (real name Stuart Smith) 21 times.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider has reported that WWE have withdrawn their affiliation from Knokx Pro. WWE have quietly removed any references to Knokx Pro from the WWE ID website, while Rikishi's promotion has removed any WWE ID labelling from their social media, although WWE ID is still mentioned on the wrestling school's website.

Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer also reported that WWE have cut ties with Knokx Pro following Saturday's incident.

Syko Stu remains hospitalised following the attack by Raja Jackson. His brother Andrew Smith noted that Stu is conscious, but he has a difficult recovery ahead. Over $52,000 has been raised so far in a GoFundMe for Syko Stu.

The Los Angeles Police Department are investigating Raja Jackson's attack of Syko Stu. It has been alleged, though, that Knokx Pro management have told wrestlers not to cooperate with the police investigation without speaking to them first.

The WWE ID programme was established in late 2024 and is designed to provide a pathway for independent wrestlers to reach WWE.