• Look Back In History
• Pmessages
• Quiz
• Stump The Staff
• Top Fifty
• Close

Rikishi stepping away from KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy

Posted: May 4th 2026 By: Bryan Rose

Rikishi is stepping away from his wrestling academy.

The former WWE star announced on social media on Sunday that he was taking his leave from the wrestling school and promotion he started back in 2009.

“Love and respect KnokX Pro Entertainment & Academy. As I take my leave, I appreciate your understanding and respect for my decision to rest now. KnokX Pro Entertainment & Academy,” he wrote.
KnokX Pro was a source of controversy last year

KnokX Pro, which at one point was affiliated with the WWE ID program, came under fire last fall following an incident revolving around MMA fighter Raja Jackson and Syko Stu. Jackson, the son of Rampage Jackson, took Stu down during a live show and repeatedly punched him, even after he was rendered unconscious and ignored people who tried to intervene. Stu was hospitalized with serious injuries and Jackson was later arrested on multiple battery charges.

“What was supposed to be a planned and agreed upon wrestling spot, turned into a selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith. This egregious act is reprehensible and never should have occurred. In the 17 years of operation of KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, there has never been anything as heinous take place such as this and we apologize to our patrons and fans,” KnoxPro said in a statement.

The promotion later announced procedure changes in the wake of the incident. Stu was later released from the hospital and appeared at WrestleCon during WrestleMania weekend.