If everyone follows the three steps I recommend in this article, it will ensure that wrestling will be an enjoyable experience for all.
This past Saturday, Raja Jackson, the son of UFC great Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, and Syko Stu, a former soldier who used wrestling to cope with PTSD, faced off in a match at the infamous KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy. What should’ve been a legendary match turned into a reckless display of violence.
Jackson punched Stu multiple times, even though Stu was unconscious, and ended up sending him to the hospital as millions watched on Kick with hundreds more in the stadium. Luckily, Stu is doing okay, but the incident raises the issue of why safety precautions are needed to ensure the safety of wrestlers both in and outside the ring.
Here’s what I recommend.
1. Test for Steroids: The rage that Raja Jackson felt during that match is most likely a display of ‘roid rage.’ While steroids have been a problem in the sports world for years, they are especially prominent in the world of wrestling and have played a part in the downfalls of wrestling greats like Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerro, Davey Boy Smith, and Big Boss Man. While testing may not solve all of wrestling’s problems, it could be a good start to protecting wrestlers both in and outside of the ring.
2. Let Wrestlers Know Ahead Of Time About The Storyline: Another contributing factor to the Stu vs Jackson incident is that Jackson didn’t know that Stu would smash a beer can in his face as part of the storyline of their feud. Scripted feuds are a standard and enjoyable part of the sport, but they could make people angry if there’s no advance notice about the plan. Letting the wrestlers have a say in how their feud storyline is developed could contribute to keeping everyone safe.
3. Have Police On Hand In Case Things Go Too Far: While security is standard at wrestling events as a means to manage rowdy audience members, having police on hand is a must to supplement paid security staff. Doing that will help ensure that the sport remains an enjoyable experience for all.
