Rikishi Is Departing KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy After Years of Heavy Involvement

Rikishi has announced his departure from KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, the training school and promotion operated under the leadership of his cousin Reno Anoa’i. Taking to X/Twitter, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion shared a brief statement. “Love and respect KnokX Pro Entertainment and Academy. As I take my leave, I appreciate your understanding and respect for my decision to rest now,” he wrote.

The academy has faced significant controversy since 2025 when trainer Raja Jackson assaulted Syko Stu at a KnokX Pro show, knocking Stu unconscious and landing over 20 blows to his head in an incident later investigated by the LAPD. WWE severed all ties with KnokX Pro following the attack, ending the academy’s participation in WWE’s ID affiliate programme. Rikishi was reported to have enacted sweeping changes at the academy in the wake of the incident. Whether his 2026 exit is related to the ongoing fallout from the assault remains unclear at this time.