Industry Watch: Wrestling Safety in the Spotlight After KnokX Pro Incident – What It Means for Gear Standards

August 2025 shook the professional wrestling industry when a shocking incident at KnokX Pro Wrestling in Los Angeles went viral. For B2B sportswear buyers and wrestling organizations, the event underscored how safety concerns can impact gear standards and brand credibility. Raja Jackson, the son of UFC legend Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, attacked independent wrestler Stuart Smith—better known as Syko Stu—during a live event. The altercation escalated beyond the scripted nature of professional wrestling: Raja delivered more than 20 punches even after his opponent appeared unconscious. The footage of the referee counting the pinfall while Stu lay motionless quickly spread across social media, sparking heated debates about safety in sports entertainment.

The aftermath has raised important conversations within the wrestling community. While Syko Stu is now in stable condition and recovering, the LAPD has launched a formal investigation, and KnokX Pro has banned Raja Jackson from future events. The promotion, managed by WWE Hall-of-Famer Rikishi, issued a strong condemnation, labeling the incident "unprecedented and deeply irresponsible". Even Rampage Jackson himself issued a public apology, attributing the situation to a lack of wrestling experience and possible concussion history—a reminder of how easily real injury can occur when safety protocols fail.

Custom Wrestling Gear Through ODM/OEM Solutions

One key trend emerging in the wake of these events is the shift toward ODM/OEM sportswear services for wrestling apparel. Unlike generic uniforms, custom wrestling gear tailored for professional or amateur promotions offers several advantages:

1. Brand Identity: Customization allows promotions, gyms, and athletic programs to showcase their logos and colors, creating a unified brand image both in the ring and online.

2. Enhanced Safety: Reinforced stitching, premium stretch fabrics, and ergonomic fits designed for grappling reduce the risk of wardrobe malfunctions or mobility issues during matches.

3. Scalable Solutions: With wrestling apparel wholesale and bulk order options, B2B clients can outfit entire rosters or training academies without sacrificing quality or delivery timelines.

Why Wrestling Gear Quality Matters More Than Ever

This incident doesn't just highlight personal accountability; it puts equipment and apparel into the spotlight. Wrestling is an intense, high-contact sport where durable, high-performance gear is essential for safety and professionalism. Poorly designed or ill-fitting wrestling apparel can restrict movement, increase fatigue, or even contribute to injury in high-stakes matches.

For B2B sportswear buyers and sports organizations, these discussions emphasize the importance of partnering with manufacturers who understand the specific demands of wrestling gear design. At a time when the industry faces scrutiny, businesses are re-evaluating their suppliers to ensure gear quality, consistency, and compliance with performance standards.

The Rise of Bulk Orders and Performance Standards

For event promoters and athletic clubs, bulk activewear orders remain a cornerstone of operational efficiency. Large-scale tournaments—such as WrestleMania, the premier WWE event often referred to as the "Super Bowl of wrestling", or AEW's All Out, known for pushing creative boundaries—demand gear that not only performs under pressure but also reflects brand identity. Other major showcases like Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and international spectacles such as Wrestle Kingdom in Tokyo set the benchmark for presentation and durability in wrestling apparel wholesale. Even collegiate and amateur competitions, including the NCAA Wrestling Championships, require uniforms built for intense training and repeated high-impact use. With ODM and OEM manufacturing, organizations can ensure both consistency and innovation, delivering wrestling gear that meets evolving safety guidelines and performance expectations at scale.

As wrestling continues to grow globally—through televised events, streaming platforms, and independent circuits—B2B buyers face an urgent question: Are your athletes wearing gear built for today's standards of safety and performance?

The KnokX Pro incident may have been a "work gone wrong", but it's a timely reminder that in wrestling, every detail matters—from in-ring conduct to the apparel athletes trust with their safety. For businesses seeking reliable partners in sportswear manufacturing, the focus should remain on quality, customization, and scalability.