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Raja Jackson strikes plea deal after brutal pro wrestling attack
TL;DR
Raja Jackson has accepted a plea deal for a battery charge related to a pro wrestling attack that left a wrestler hospitalized. He faces a 90-day jail sentence, restitution of over $81,000, and two years of probation.
Key points
- Raja Jackson accepted a plea deal for a battery charge.
- The attack left a pro wrestler hospitalized.
- He faces 90 days in jail and over $81,000 in restitution.
Mentioned in this story
Raja JacksonLos Angeles County District Attorney's Office
Raja Jackson won't go to trial following an August beatdown that left a pro wrestler hospitalized.
On Wednesday, Jackson pleaded nolo contendere to a charge of battery with serious bodily injury after striking a deal with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, an office representative confirmed Thursday to MMA Junkie. He also admitted two special allegations: personal infliction of great bodily injury and engagement in violent conduct.
The deal was first reported by The New York Post.
Jackson, 26, is scheduled to be sentenced June 22 at San Fernando Courthouse. The DA's Office says his “anticipated sentence is 90 days actual county jail, restitution of $81,703.38, and two years formal probation. The defendant is to pay restitution before he is sentenced.”
Jackson, a professional MMA fighter and the 25-year-old son of UFC legend Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, attacked Stuart Smith (also known in-ring as Syko Stu) during an Aug. 23 wrestling match at a KnokX professional wrestling event in Sun Valley, Calif. Jackson streamed the entire outing, including the lead-up and aftermath, on the streaming platform Kick.
Jackson was expected to interfere with Smith's match as part of the show. However, after he entered the ring, Jackson hit Smith with a real slam – and approximately 20 punches to Smith's unconscious face.
More: Wrestler who stopped 'attempted murder' by Raja Jackson details horrifying experience
Jackson had taken exception to Smith hitting him in the head with a beer can before the event. Smith apologized to Jackson shortly after the incident, saying he thought Jackson was a wrestler and thought they were hyping the show. The two eventually shook hands.
In the time between the handshake and the attack, Jackson fumed on live stream. He said that he planned to hit Smith "for real," which he did repeatedly as horrified and confused onlookers watched.
Eventually, other wrestlers, including Douglas Malo, intervened as and convulsed on the canvas.
Q&A
What charges did Raja Jackson plead nolo contendere to?
Raja Jackson pleaded nolo contendere to a charge of battery with serious bodily injury.
What is the anticipated sentence for Raja Jackson?
Raja Jackson's anticipated sentence includes 90 days in county jail, restitution of $81,703.38, and two years of formal probation.
When is Raja Jackson's sentencing date?
Raja Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 22 at San Fernando Courthouse.
