WWE has apparently severed its ties with Knokx Pro, the wrestling academy owned by WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi. The move comes after the official WWE ID Twitter account unfollowed Knokx Pro, Rikishi, and head trainer The Black Pearl. In response, Knokx Pro has removed all WWE ID affiliation from its social media branding.
This dissociation follows a violent, real-life incident at a Knokx Pro event in Los Angeles on Saturday. During the show, Raja Jackson, the 25-year-old son of MMA legend Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, legitimately attacked and severely injured a performer known as Syko Stu.
Content continues after the ad
The situation escalated from what was reportedly a planned spot. Jackson, who was not scheduled for the match, entered the ring and delivered a brutal beatdown on Stu. The assault, which was captured on a livestream, resulted in Syko Stu being hospitalized with multiple facial fractures and the loss of several teeth. The Los Angeles Police Department has since opened an investigation into the attack.
Knokx Pro was a key accredited partner in the recently launched WWE ID (Independent Development) program, an initiative designed to create a direct talent pipeline to the company. The program also includes high-profile schools such as Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling and Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory.
In a public statement, Knokx Pro condemned Jackson’s actions as a “selfish, reprehensible, and irresponsible act of violence.“ The promotion apologized to its fans, confirming that a planned altercation went too far.
While the actions on social media strongly indicate a separation, neither WWE nor Knokx Pro has released an official statement confirming the end of their partnership. Complicating matters further, footage has surfaced that appears to show a Knokx Pro staff member, AJ Mana, encouraging Jackson to attack Stu after a separate botched spot earlier in the day.
READ MORE: WWE Hall Of Famer Suggests First Rivalry For Chris Jericho After Return
