Why the ‘Driverless’ Narrative Is Failing the Freight Industry

27 January 2026

Toby Patrick

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To many people, the thought of stepping into a driverless vehicle or being surrounded by them would seem risky. Yet despite this, according to many, the future of freight is driverless. But if we are moving towards a driverless future, we’re doing so more slowly than was expected. Is this an us problem, or is it a technology problem?

Modern silver train on tracks in an urban area, with mountains in the background. Visible power lines and a sign in the foreground.

Fear Before Function

There’s a lot of talk about driverless technology, but the action doesn’t match the talk. If we were to go back to the start of the millennium, I think most opinion leaders would agree that we’d be surrounded by driverless cars, trains, trucks and planes. Even in today’s current state of affairs, driverless vehicles seem to make the news regularly, but how many businesses are actually using the technology? How many people have stepped into a driverless vehicle? The numbers are pretty low, and there still appears to be a massive gap between marketing and adoption.

The Skill Shortage

The industry also appears to be at somewhat of a crossroads. Fewer people are undergoing transport training out of fear of a driverless future, but driverless technology isn’t at the point where it can replace traditional transport.

Not only does this contribute towards a driver shortage, but it has also contributed to a skill shortage in terms of developing driverless tech. While some are wary of entering the industry as a driver, others are viewing it from the opposite side, hesitant to step into technology-based roles in case the industry doesn’t come into fruition.

This is leaving the industry with an all-around shortage, and it may explain why the vision of a driverless future hasn’t taken off. In short, the industry is in desperate need of a recruitment-driven rebrand that attracts skilled drivers, engineers and startups to help transition us from one era to the next.

The Reality

We often fall into the trap of assuming that automation and robotics replace human jobs. The reality is that advances in technology often create new jobs and opportunities. If we are to achieve a driverless future, we’ll still need humans for quality assurance, legislation, maintenance and decision making.

Who Can Actually Build ‘Driverless’?

To bring the vision of driverless freight to life, it will require a first mover to prove that the vision is actually achievable. Often, this responsibility falls to a billion-dollar company to fund the research & development, infrastructure and marketing. Until we reach that point, driverless freight is likely to be beyond the reach of small businesses, which ultimately delays driverless freight from becoming the new normal.

Signs of Progress

On the subject of driverless becoming the new normal, it is positive to see signs of progress. Visible progress includes the driverless cabs that are becoming increasingly normal in places like Las Vegas. Obviously, driverless freight comes with far more complexity, but it does at least stress that society’s confidence in driverless vehicles is on the up.

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t seem to be a question of if we will adopt driverless transport, but more a question of when. And we are certainly moving towards this, albeit slowly. With the likes of Tesla ploughing millions into driverless cars and driverless trains becoming increasingly common in some parts of the world, surely it’s only a matter of time until driverless freight becomes the new norm.

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Raja Jackson: Wrestling Dreams Derailed After Assault Allegations

Paul Francis
Aug 27, 2025
3 min read

The son of MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has found himself at the centre of a storm after an independent wrestling match in Los Angeles turned violent. Raja Jackson, a trainee wrestler, has been accused of assaulting an opponent after a scripted move went wrong, leaving fans, promoters and even his own father facing difficult questions about his future.

Raja Jackson pins opponent in the ring. Referee watches. Crowd in the background. Action is intense and dynamic, with vibrant lighting.

What Happened in the Ring

During a recent Knokx Pro Wrestling event in California, Raja was booked in a standard exhibition match against local performer Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith. What began as a routine bout allegedly turned dangerous when Raja delivered repeated blows to his downed opponent, continuing well after the scripted finish. Eyewitnesses described it as a chilling moment where the staged performance gave way to something far more real.

Smith was reportedly left bloodied and unconscious, requiring medical treatment. A GoFundMe page has since been launched to cover his hospital costs. The incident was severe enough that Knokx Pro immediately suspended Raja and confirmed he would no longer appear in their shows. The Los Angeles Police Department has also confirmed an investigation into possible assault charges.

Who is Raja Jackson?

Raja, in his early twenties, is the eldest son of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, one of the UFC’s most colourful champions during the 2000s. While his father became famous in the Octagon for his power slams and knockout punches, Raja pursued a different path, entering the world of professional wrestling rather than mixed martial arts.

Training at Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy, which is closely tied to WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi and the Anoa’i wrestling family, Raja was seen as a young talent with potential. Until this incident, he had no public history of violence or criminal behaviour. Within the wrestling community, however, some described him as brash and eager to prove himself.

Rampage’s Remark About Bail Money

Attention has also turned to comments Rampage Jackson made in an interview several years ago. Speaking candidly about his children, Rampage joked that he had saved money for two of his sons to go to college, while setting aside money for bail for his third. The remark was made in a light-hearted tone at the time, but fans have since speculated whether he was referring to Raja and whether that comment reflected a deeper concern about his temperament.

While it may have been nothing more than a joke, the resurfacing of that quote has added fuel to debates over whether Raja had shown warning signs of volatility before stepping into the ring.

Retired Pro Wrestler Stevie Richards Breaks Down What Has Happened

Why This Crossed the Line in Wrestling

Professional wrestling is unique in that it blurs the lines between performance and sport. Matches are choreographed, and opponents work together to create the illusion of combat without causing real harm. This cooperative aspect is considered sacred in the industry.

When a wrestler breaks from the script and intentionally hurts their opponent, it is known as a “shoot.” A scripted, staged performance is referred to as a “work.” While works are the foundation of the business, shoots are seen as unprofessional and dangerous, violating the trust between performers.

What happened in Raja’s match is being widely regarded as a shoot, and one that placed his opponent’s health in jeopardy. For that reason, industry insiders have been quick to condemn his actions, stressing that pro wrestling has no place for unsanctioned violence.

The Legal Implications

From a legal perspective, Raja’s situation is serious. While athletes consent to physical contact within the rules of their sport, the law draws the line at excessive or intentional harm beyond what is reasonably expected. Courts have repeatedly held that consent does not cover actions “outside the ordinary scope of play.”

If police determine that Raja’s extra strikes constituted assault, he could face charges ranging from misdemeanour assault to felony assault, depending on the injuries sustained by Smith. Beyond criminal charges, Raja could also be sued in civil court for medical costs, damages and loss of income.

What Happens Next?

Knokx Pro Wrestling has made it clear that Raja will not return to their shows, and larger promotions like WWE or AEW are unlikely to take a chance on him while legal questions hang over his head. What was meant to be the beginning of his career could, in fact, become the end of it.

For now, all eyes are on the LAPD investigation and whether formal charges will be brought. If the case proceeds, it could be a defining moment not only for Raja Jackson but for the reputation of independent wrestling promotions, which must reassure fans and performers that safety remains a priority.