Raja Jackson Pleaded Not Guilty in KnokX Pro Wrestling Attack Case

Raja Jackson, 25, pleaded not guilty on Oct. 9 to felony and misdemeanor battery charges after prosecutors said he violently attacked independent wrestler Stuart Smith, known as Syko Stu, during a KnokX Pro Wrestling event in Sun Valley, California, on Aug. 23. Court records show the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one count of felony battery causing serious bodily injury and one count of misdemeanor battery; prosecutors are seeking a sentencing enhancement that could increase the felony term to as much as seven years if Jackson is convicted.

Prosecutors say video of the event shows Jackson entering the ring during a scheduled segment, slamming Smith to the mat and delivering more than 20 strikes to his head and face after Smith was rendered unconscious. The complaint states Smith suffered multiple facial injuries, including fractures to the maxilla, trauma to both jaws, a lacerated lip and the loss of several teeth, and spent days in intensive care before being discharged. A GoFundMe set up for Smith’s medical expenses has raised more than $220,000.

Authorities say the in-ring assault followed an earlier backstage confrontation in which Smith struck Jackson...