Raja Jackson pled not guilty on Thursday to criminal charges stemming from an incident in August involving independent wrestler Syko Stu.
Jackson is facing one felony count of battery with great bodily injury and one misdemeanor count of battery. A conviction on the felony charge could result in a sentence of up to seven years in prison, with the misdemeanor carrying a potential additional six months.
The plea was entered at a Los Angeles courthouse. Jackson’s next court appearance is scheduled for November.
The charges relate to an August 23 event for the KnokX Pro promotion. During an in-ring segment, Jackson was seen on a live stream striking Stu repeatedly, leading to Stu’s hospitalization. The situation reportedly followed a backstage confrontation where Stu hit Jackson with a beer can.
TMZ reported that Jackson, the son of former UFC fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, did not provide a comment when approached at the courthouse. He was described as wearing a black shirt, black pants, and a black tie, and “staring ahead” as he entered the courthouse.
Prosecutors have included a sentencing enhancement in the charges, alleging that Jackson caused “great bodily injury” to Stu.
Stu, a US Army veteran whose real name is Stuart Smith, was released from the hospital around a week after the incident. A GoFundMe page to assist with his recovery has raised more than $220,000.
