Professional wrestler AJ Mana is facing severe personal and professional consequences following his role in encouraging Raja Jackson before a surprising incident that left fellow wrestler Syko Stu seriously injured at a KnokX Pro Wrestling event.
In a video response addressing the backlash, Mana revealed the impact the controversy has had on his career and livelihood. The wrestler disclosed that he received a termination call from his employer, who cited his involvement in what they characterized as an accessory to attempted murder after viewing TMZ coverage of the incident.
“I got a call from my f**king job. We saw the TMZ video. You’re an accessory to an attempted m*rder. We got to let you go,” Mana stated in a recent video, expressing his frustration with the situation’s aftermath.
The fallout has extended beyond just employment issues, as Mana indicated his wrestling career has also been severely impacted. “I can’t f**king wrestle anymore,” he said, suggesting that promotions are unwilling to book him following the controversy.
The incident stems from Mana’s pre-show encouragement of Raja Jackson, son of UFC legend Rampage Jackson, to give Syko Stu his “receipt.” It is a wrestling terminology that typically refers to retaliating against an opponent for previous rough treatment. Video footage captured Mana telling Jackson to “tag his s**t,” comments that preceded Jackson’s attack on Stu during the wrestling event.
Initially, Mana attempted to defend his actions through a since-deleted Facebook post, claiming he was speaking in character and using standard wrestling language. In that statement, he emphasized that everything he said “was part of the show” and that he “never intended – or encouraged – real harm.”
However, the wrestler’s defense has been met with skepticism from the wrestling community and fans alike. Critics argue that encouraging someone with no insider knowledge of wrestling’s cooperative nature – particularly Jackson, who had made it clear he didn’t care about the wrestling business – was irresponsible regardless of intent.
WWE has officially severed ties with the wrestling school associated with the event.
As the Los Angeles Police Department continues investigating the incident, the wrestling community remains focused on Syko Stu’s recovery. His wife has started a GoFundMe page to assist with medical expenses following the attack.
