WWE appears to be quietly cutting ties with KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy after a violent and shocking incident at one of its recent live shows. While the company has not issued an official statement, fans noticed that WWE’s official WWE ID Twitter account unfollowed KnokX Pro, as well as its co-founders Rikishi and The Black Pearl.
At first glance, it may seem like a minor social media change. But given the timing, many believe it’s the first step in WWE’s effort to distance itself from the growing controversy that has put KnokX Pro under intense scrutiny.
The Assault That Went Viral
The controversy erupted after Raja Jackson, son of MMA veteran Rampage Jackson, went completely off-script during a KnokX Pro event. Instead of following the planned match, Raja launched a brutal real-life assault on fellow wrestler Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith.
Eyewitnesses captured the moment as Raja repeatedly punched Stu, continuing long after he was defenseless. The footage quickly spread online, leaving fans and wrestlers across the industry outraged.
According to witness Douglas Malo, the aftermath was horrific. He claimed Stu was left “choking on his own blood and teeth.” Later medical reports confirmed multiple facial fractures and significant dental injuries.
The Backstage Angle That Made It Worse
What escalated fan anger even further was a second piece of footage that surfaced online. In it, KnokX Pro trainer AJ Mana appeared to instruct Raja to retaliate, shouting: “Give him his f**king receipt.”
Instead of calming the situation, the video suggested that authority figures at KnokX Pro may have played a role in fueling the violence. This revelation turned outrage into fury, raising serious questions about the school’s leadership and training practices.
Rampage Jackson and KnokX Pro Respond
Facing massive backlash, Rampage Jackson publicly apologized on behalf of his son, admitting Raja “had no business being involved in an event like this.”
KnokX Pro also released a statement, condemning the assault and labeling it a “selfish, irresponsible act of violence.” Despite this, the damage had already been done, and scrutiny around the school only intensified.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Police Department has launched an investigation. Raja Jackson is reportedly facing potential criminal charges for the assault.
WWE’s Quiet but Clear Move
WWE has remained silent in terms of official press releases, but its actions on social media have not gone unnoticed. By unfollowing KnokX Pro and its leadership, the company appears to be quietly severing ties with the academy, which was previously listed among its affiliated training centers.
A source familiar with the matter noted:
“There hasn’t been any formal action taken yet that we know of, but this is being discussed at a senior level. WWE is very aware of the optics here.”
Given WWE’s strict emphasis on performer safety and professional conduct, the decision to distance itself seems inevitable.
What Comes Next?
The big question now is whether WWE will continue its strategy of silent distancing, or eventually make a stronger public statement announcing a full break from KnokX Pro.
With criminal charges looming and KnokX Pro under a microscope, silence may not be enough. The wrestling world is watching closely, and WWE knows its next move will set a precedent for how it handles future controversies with affiliated schools.
Closing Thoughts
What started as a routine independent wrestling show has now become headline news, drawing the attention of WWE executives and mainstream media. WWE’s decision to quietly unfollow KnokX Pro might look like a small gesture, but in reality, it speaks louder than any official statement right now.
Do you think WWE is right to quietly distance itself from KnokX Pro? Or should the company issue a strong public statement? Share your thoughts below.
