How Raja Jackson’s Attack Affected the WWE ID Program

Bad Publicity

Any big corporation wants to avoid bad publicity, and WWE is no exception. Their cutting ties with KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy is the WWE trying to show that they are not responsible for the attack. They don’t want to take responsibility for the attack, nor do they want backlash for not taking some action on this serious incident. If they did nothing, they could have entered themselves in another type of controversy. 

Even though KnokX Pro is a small wrestling academy, the news and videos of Raja Jackson’s attack at their event quickly spread across social media. The video is very gruesome to watch, especially knowing the aftermath. While this is a crazy incident that occurred, the WWE doesn’t want its name associated with it.

Loss of Talent

It’s a shame to see this partnership get severed due to the actions of someone who isn’t even involved in the company. As a result of this attack, the rest of the wrestlers in the promotion missed an excellent opportunity to be part of or noticed by the WWE ID program. 

Sure, the wrestlers could get a similar opportunity at another promotion, but when they learn at that academy, they partake in those shows. This is a loss for the talent and getting that opportunity, but also for the WWE, as they are now missing out on this talent. In the future, the companies can create another partnership, but for now, it will have to come to an end.

Jordan Oasis was a wrestler from the KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy who was a WWE ID recruit and has recently been released. He was released along with Ice Williams and Aaron Roberts. There is a good chance that the separation from KnokX Pro is also the reason for the release of Oasis, although nothing has been confirmed as to what incited this release.

WWE Quick to Cut Ties

This attack is something very dire that occurred, and could’ve had a much worse outcome. However, it is interesting how quickly WWE decided to cut ties with the promotion, considering some of the previous decisions they have made.

One that comes to mind is Brock Lesnar. He was allegedly named in the Vince McMahon lawsuit in 2024, but returned at this past SummerSlam despite the grave accusations of sexual misconduct. There was also no press conference held where journalists could ask questions. This could easily be done as a way to answer any unwanted questions.

There are many more examples of times where WWE may have shoved something under the rug, such as when they fired Hulk Hogan in 2015 for making racist remarks in a leaked private conversation. He was later reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018 and returned to making appearances.

WWE is picking and choosing its battles; one common denominator is what brings in money. Brock Lesnar and Hulk Hogan are prominent names in the company and draw attention, whether they are liked or not. In this case, WWE cut ties fast with KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, but who knows if they will have another partnership in the future. Especially considering the coaches at this school are Rikishi and Reno Anoa’i, wrestling legends and one of the most prominent wrestling families.

Future Incidents

Even though incidents like this usually don’t happen at wrestling shows, it seems that WWE would rather cut ties with the promotion than risk anything happening again or more backlash. 

The attack originated from a lack of communication at the outset. Because of all the cameras around Jackson, Stu thought he was setting up a storyline with him and crushed a beer can on his head. This angered Jackson, but Stu apologized afterwards when he realized his mistake. This is all on video, including when they planned Jackson’s run-in spot in the match. It also shows where Jackson said he was “really going to hit him” when waiting for his moment. 

As I previously mentioned, it is a tough video to watch. However, from the mistakes made earlier in the night to the poor decisions made by Raja Jackson later on, there was a lack of communication during the event. That still doesn’t excuse the fact that Jackson nearly killed Stu. To prevent any further communication issues, the WWE severed its partnership with KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy. 

According to Fox 11, the Los Angeles Police Department is looking into Raja Jackson’s attack.  In the meantime, Syko Stu’s family created a GoFundMe to support his recovery, medical bills, and loss of income. Please share and donate as we wish Stu a speedy recovery.