A shocking attack in Los Angeles shows just how far our society has fallen. Raja Jackson, son of former UFC fighter Rampage Jackson, savagely beat a professional wrestler during a live stream on Saturday night. The brutal assault was watched by thousands online as Jackson threw over 20 punches at an unconscious man’s face.
This wasn’t some spontaneous fight that got out of hand. Video evidence shows Jackson planned this vicious attack ahead of time. He told his online followers he would punch the wrestler as many times as possible before anyone could stop him. This was cold-blooded violence disguised as entertainment.
The victim, professional wrestler Stuart Smith, is now fighting for his life in critical condition. His family says he has some memory of the attack but suffered serious head injuries. Jackson’s cowardly assault could have easily killed an innocent man who was just trying to make a living.
Where were the adults who should have stopped this madness? The wrestling academy claims this was supposed to be a scripted performance that went wrong. But Jackson livestreamed his intentions beforehand, and nobody stepped in to prevent this near-fatal beating. This is what happens when we prioritize clicks over common sense.
The Los Angeles police are finally investigating, but the damage is already done. Smith’s life hangs in the balance while Jackson walked away without immediate consequences. Our justice system better throw the book at this wannabe tough guy who thinks beating unconscious people makes him a man.
This disgusting incident perfectly captures everything wrong with today’s streaming culture. Young people are doing increasingly dangerous stunts for online fame and money. Parents need to take control of their children before more innocent people get hurt or killed for internet views.
Jackson’s famous father Rampage tried to defend his son’s actions at first. But there’s no excuse for this kind of barbaric behavior, regardless of your family name or social media following. Real men don’t sucker punch defenseless victims and call it entertainment.
Americans are sick and tired of watching our country descend into lawlessness and violence. We need to get back to basic values of respect, responsibility, and consequences for our actions. Until we do, more innocent people will suffer at the hands of these social media savages.