WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam has clarified a recent, controversial social media post in which he stated, “So far, I got Raja’s back,” regarding the incident that left independent wrestler Syko Stu hospitalized. On his podcast, RVD explained his statement while also wishing the injured wrestler a speedy recovery.
Rob Van Dam Clarifies His Raja Jackson Post
Speaking on the latest episode of “1 Of A Kind With RVD,” Van Dam addressed the backlash he received for his post, which many fans interpreted as him taking the side of Raja Jackson. RVD made it clear that it was not his intention.
RVD began his podcast by wishing Stu Smith a quick recovery, saying, “best wishes to f***ing Syko Stu Smith. Hopefully, he will regain his health and do it quickly.”
“If you thought that me saying that was somehow hypocritical because my text said that ‘I back Raja,’ then you are one of the basic thinkers that can’t understand how those can both be true in the same universe,” he said. “I’m not picking a side [with that post]. If I did, I’m not even saying that it would be Raja… I’m not saying that this guy Stu deserved what happened to him by saying that ‘I got Raja’s back.’”
He explained what he meant by the post, saying, “What I’m saying is, I see the pathway that he took that led to what happened.” Van Dam went on to break down the incident, stating his belief that Raja, as an MMA fighter, “shouldn’t have been part of this at all.”
The Syko Stu Incident
The incident occurred at a KnokX Pro Wrestling event on Saturday, August 23, when Raja Jackson entered the ring and legitimately knocked out Syko Stu during what was supposed to be a planned spot. Jackson then continued to punch the unconscious wrestler. Stu was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries and was last reported to be in “stable but critical care.”
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the incident. Raja’s father, MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, has also issued a statement condemning his son’s actions.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help with Syko Stu’s medical expenses. The full thoughts from Rob Van Dam can be heard on the latest episode of the “1 Of A Kind With RVD” podcast.
