Mike Perry and MMA Guru tackled one of 2024’s most controversial moments in combat sports during a recent episode of the Overdogs Podcast, diving deep into the Raja Jackson incident that surprised the wrestling and MMA communities.
The conversation centered on Jackson’s viral knockout of an opponent at a wrestling event, which became one of the most talked-about clips of the year. Perry acknowledged the business side, noting that Jackson “got them the most viral clip of the year,” though he admitted it happened “in a shameful way people would say.”
Guru didn’t mince words about his interpretation of events. “I think he tried to k*ll the guy. That’s my opinion on it,” he stated. “I watched the video. I was like, ‘Holy s**t Raja Jackson just tried to k*ll this guy.'”
The incident involved Jackson’s opponent hitting him with a beer can before the confrontation escalated. Perry pointed out that the opponent “hit him in the head with a beer and he signed a contract to do a job.”
However, Guru noted the can appeared empty, comparing it to typical wrestling event interactions where such things are expected.
Perry’s co-host Mac Mally introduced a crucial distinction about when self-defense becomes something more serious. “After the fifth, sixth consecutive punch to an unconscious body… you’re treading on the waters of committing literal homicide,” he emphasized.
MMA Guru agreed, saying: “I agree, though.” He also elaborated on the timing issue: “I guess if he did swing on him straight away after he hit him with a can, I’d be like, ‘All right, that’s fair.’ You know, I mean, he doesn’t know what’s going on. Some guy might have just hit him straight away.”
Perry suggested Jackson may have been calculating his response, waiting for a legal opportunity within the wrestling match structure. However, he acknowledged this crossed into dangerous territory, with Guru calling it “premeditation” where Jackson was “planning it the whole time.”
The wrestling company’s response also came under scrutiny. Perry noted they “tapped him out after it was over” and “continued the show with the unconscious body in the ring,” suggesting they were “making the best of a terrible awful” situation.
Both Perry and Guru expressed hope that the victim Syko Stu made a full recovery.
