WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry is standing firm amidst the controversy surrounding his comments on the violent, real-life attack on wrestler Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith. During an appearance on Austin’s 1300 The Zone radio station, Henry read a prepared statement in which he offered “zero apologies” and stated he “meant every single word.”
The backlash began after Henry suggested that the blame for the assault shouldn’t fall solely on the attacker, Raja Jackson, but also on the event’s organizers and veteran talent. Addressing the subsequent accusations of racism, Henry was direct. “What I said has nothing to do with race. It has everything to do with ignorance about the wrestling business,” he stated. “It’s impossible for me to be a racist, because I would have to have power over someone, and in a bigoted way. I’m not a bigot.”
The incident in question occurred at a KnokX Pro Wrestling event on August 23, when Raja Jackson, son of MMA fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, legitimately attacked Syko Stu in the ring. Following a body slam that rendered Smith unconscious, Jackson delivered more than 20 real punches to his head. Smith was hospitalized with serious facial injuries, including broken bones and lost teeth, and the LAPD has opened an investigation into the matter.
Henry specifically criticized the veteran wrestlers present at the show, arguing their actions contributed to the chaotic environment. “You got these veteran guys drinking alcohol before the show, and then they come out there, and you hit one of the kids… upside the head with a beer can,” Henry said, describing the spot that preceded the attack as a “horrible work.”
He then compared Jackson’s situation to his own difficult entry into the industry, recalling a time before he was properly trained. “Mark Henry was once upon a time Raja Jackson. I got banished from wrestling and sent to Canada,” Henry revealed. He credited the Hart family for taking him in and teaching him the business, which he says saved his career.
While expressing sympathy for Syko Stu, Henry maintained that there were failures beyond Jackson’s actions. “Syko Stu didn’t deserve what he got, but every action has a reaction, and there’s consequences for everything that you put out in this universe.”
Henry concluded his statement with a defiant message to his critics. “All of you fans out there that have these racist tendencies and all the vitriol for me, have at it,” he challenged. “You can’t hurt me. I’m bulletproof.”