One of the biggest stories in professional wrestling was the heinous attack that Raja Jackson inflicted upon Syko Stu. As the fallout from that moment continues, some other bad news popped up on Friday, August 29. Danger Pro Wrestling, another independent organization, has advertised Jackson for an upcoming event, sparking backlash and outrage over the move.
“In a BOLD move, Indy pro wrestling company, Danger Pro Wrestling BOOKS now-infamous son of Rampage Jackson, Raja Jackson for an upcoming appearance at their event,” the promotion posted on their Instagram account. “Stay tuned for an opponent announcement, and date. All dates currently listed on our Eventbrite.”
Hours later, the company would post another post mocking the move, as if this were nothing more than a publicity stunt, but it is still a disgusting move for everyone involved.
According to TMZ, the entire incident is being investigated by police in the area. Stu was hospitalized due to the attack and is since recovering. KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, headed up by WWE Hall-of-Famer Rikishi, has since been stripped of its WWE ID designation and according to Aidan Chacon of Sports Illustrated, the school is “hemorrhaging” students.
Even AJ Mana, another performer who was involved, caught on camera telling Jackson to get a “receipt” backstage, has been held accountable for his part. According to Mana, he has been fired from his day job due to his part in the manner. He posted a video telling his side of the story, claiming that he was in “character” during the whole ordeal.
Former UFC Champion, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, has posted multiple statements after the situation, trying to distance himself from the matter and apologizing in his latest efforts. He’s also reportedly getting death threats for his son’s actions. Coverage of Jackson’s assault has reached mainstream coverage across sports for the disgusting nature of his actions.
It's time to go back to gatekeeping professional wrestling
The effort to move professional wrestling into the mainstream has reached a tipping point with the Raja Jackson incident. Promotions are looking for ways to bring in new fans and try to tie them to popular celebrities. This has been a popular tactic by the WWE, so it is not surprising to see independent organizations do the same. However, doing so creates a situation for these moments to occur. Bringing in untrained celebrities to take part in a show like this for headlines and eyeballs is not the way to garner attention. Knokx Pro Wrestling has found out the hard way.
Does this mean that celebrities will no longer be welcomed in professional wrestling? Probably not. As you can see, Danger Pro Wrestling is already willing to make light of the moment against better judgment. Hopefully, this will lead to these promotions doing better vetting, training, and preparation for these performances because when they don’t, bad things can and sometimes will happen.
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