Former WWE talent Rikishi Fatu, a founder of the KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy in Sun Valley, California, is leaving his trainer role.
The wrestling gym, which received mainstream news coverage last year after a stunt gone wrong with live-streamer and influencer Raja Jackson, has been operating since 2009, when it was founded by Rikishi alongside Reno Anoa’i.
“Love and respect KnokX Pro Entertainment & Academy. As I take my leave, I appreciate your understanding and respect for my decision to rest now,” Rikishi said on social media this week.
The academy had a large amount of negative attention on it last year after Raja Jackson, son of MMA legend Rampage Jackson, participated in an event they held. While the untrained Jackson was expected to hit the ring and keep the performance going with an interference on wrestler Syko Stu, footage instead shows that he tossed the wrestler to the mat then delivered over a dozen unprotected punches to the head.
The attack caused Stu to lose several teeth and left him hospitalized for some time. Jackson was later charged with felony and misdemeanor battery.
The academy was briefly associated with WWE’s ID program, being listed as one of the system’s official “Schools.” However, it’s no longer considered part of that system.
Fatu remains present in the wrestling world, currently hosting his weekly podcast “Off The Top.” He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012.
