Nearly a month after Raja Jackson’s in-ring rampage went viral, police came calling for the son of UFC legend Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson.
TMZ reports that Raja was arrested and charged on Thursday for his Aug. 24 attack on professional wrestler Syko Stu at a Knokx Pro Wrestling event in Los Angeles that was livestreamed on Jackson’s Kick channel.
The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, began when the son of the ex-UFC champion left his ringside seat and entered the ring to confront the former U.S. Army veteran-turned-pro wrestler.
Jackson first picked up Syko Stu and slammed him to the mat, appearing to knock him unconscious. He then rained down 22 vicious punches to Stu’s head and face before several wrestlers came to stop the assault.
WARNING: Graphic violence and language
According to TMZ, Los Angeles police “were called to the wrestling event” and “took a police report,” with the investigation leading to Thursday’s arrest.
The brutal attack left Smith hospitalized with a broken jaw, fractured cheekbone, busted lip, and several lost teeth. The former military wrestler was released from hospital a week later and has been recovering at home.
Jackson, who was booked on a felony charge of battery with serious bodily injury, spent several hours behind bars before being released on US$50,000 bond, according to the outlet.
Rampage Jackson has said he believes his son should face the consequences of his actions and serve some time in prison.
“I think that he should do a little time, do a little community service,” he told MMA journalist Ariel Helwani.
Rampage had previously said he would “let justice play out” while expressing his sympathy to Smith.
“I feel bad about what happened to Syko Stu. I don’t condone what my son did at all,” Rampage said during a livestreamed video. “I’m gonna let justice play out. Ain’t much I can do on that side … I just wish I could’ve been there.”
Rampage also said he could’ve stopped the incident from happening if he had been present.
A GoFundMe page launched to help support Smith has raised more than $222,000 in less than a month.
The page says that Smith is a “U.S. Army veteran who used wrestling as an outlet to deal with his PTSD,” and that the incident “has not only caused major physical harm, but will also disrupt his career inside the ring and outside of it.”
Donations will help Smith with uncovered medical expenses, recovery support and loss of income.