In the wake of the shocking Raja Jackson attack on Syko Stu during a recent KnokX Pro Wrestling event, WWE veteran Matt Hardy has publicly examined the state of professional wrestling in 2025, using the incident as a lens to highlight ongoing industry issues. Hardy’s reflections were shared on his podcast, The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, where he dissected not only the violent episode but also what it reveals about wrestling culture today.

The KnokX Pro incident, which saw MMA fighter Raja Jackson deliver a legitimately brutal assault on indie wrestler Syko Stu inside the ring, sparked widespread debate among fans and insiders. While many commentators focused on condemning Jackson’s actions, Hardy offered a more nuanced perspective, condemning the violence but also pointing to structural failures that allowed it to happen[2][1].

Hardy emphasized that the blame extends beyond Raja Jackson himself to those responsible for booking the event and orchestrating the angle. “The fact that it happened like it did, and that there was no adequate control, that’s on the leadership,” Hardy noted, stressing that the incident never should have occurred on a professional wrestling platform[2].

The former WWE star also criticized Syko Stu for his role in escalating tensions, particularly for striking Jackson with a beer can during their altercation, a move Hardy described as a “poor decision” despite Stu’s 16 years of experience. Hardy explained that relying on the traditional “wrestling vet card” to command respect has largely become obsolete, especially in today’s blurred lines between wrestling personas and reality[1]. “The bubble has gotten more realistic,” he said, “but wrestling is not perfect at all … there’s a very strange blur of fact and fiction, and people use that to their advantage to take liberties.”[2]

According to Hardy, this conflation of “work” (scripted entertainment) and “shoot” (real-life conflict) in modern wrestling has often created situations where performers feel justified in real violence, hiding behind the entertainment excuse when things spiral out of control[2]. The Raja Jackson-Syko Stu incident is a stark example, illustrating how off-script aggression can erupt due to simmering real-life tensions compounded by poor event management.

Sources close to the situation have revealed that Jackson was provoked by comments made during a live stream from the front row, where he was openly challenged to retaliate against Stu. Hardy recalled that Jackson was reportedly egged on by AJ Mana to “get his receipt,” which led Jackson to unleash a barrage of punches so severe and malicious that Hardy said it appeared Jackson “would’ve kept punching him until he killed him” if not stopped[1].

Additionally, Hardy touched on the differing roles of MMA and pro wrestling in today’s combat entertainment landscape, underscoring how Jackson’s background likely influenced the aggressive, MMA-style takedown on Stu, which was described as akin to a powerful Alabama Slam but with real-life striking intensity[3]. This incident blurred the line further between legitimate fighting and choreographed wrestling, spotlighting risks wrestlers now face in a more violent, unpredictable environment.

Industry insiders report that the KnokX Pro event’s lack of clear boundaries and insufficient oversight exacerbated the situation, raising questions about smaller promotions’ ability—or willingness—to ensure performer safety when trying to push realism for audience engagement. A WWE insider who tracks indie circuits confirmed to Wrestling Inc. that “the incident serves as a cautionary tale for the entire business, especially for smaller companies trying to blur lines between MMA and wrestling without proper controls.” This sentiment is being echoed by several veterans and analysts across various wrestling podcasts[2].

Hardy’s comments have contributed to a larger conversation around how professional wrestling must evolve with society’s changing attitudes toward violence, respect, and performer safety. While he acknowledged that professional wrestling has improved culturally over recent years, incidents like KnokX Pro’s demonstrate that the path to modernization is incomplete and fraught with challenges.

For example, wrestlers today are increasingly held accountable via social media and fan scrutiny—but at the same time, the industry struggles to separate storyline aggression from actual personal disputes. This interplay has sometimes led to real-life physical encounters crossing over into events supposedly scripted for entertainment, blurring ethical and professional boundaries[2].

The former “Broken” Matt Hardy has long been an advocate for preserving the art and safety of pro wrestling while embracing innovation, and his take on the KnokX Pro incident reinforces this balancing act. As he concluded on his podcast, the business “still has issues,” and only through clear leadership, respect for all performers regardless of tenure, and transparent boundaries will wrestling thrive in the coming years[2].

In summary, the Raja Jackson assault on Syko Stu has become a watershed moment that forced reflection from a seasoned figure like Matt Hardy. The incident exposes unresolved problems within wrestling’s culture—real versus scripted conflict, respect for veterans, and maintaining performer safety amidst growing realism. As the wrestling world absorbs these lessons, attention will focus on reforms necessary to prevent repeat situations while preserving the thrilling storytelling wrestling fans demand.

Sources like WWE.com and Fightful continue to monitor fallout and responses from other wrestling personnel, signaling ongoing debate that could shape industry policy going forward.[2][5]

To quote Matt Hardy’s analysis, please credit “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy” podcast with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for transcription.