Independent wrestler Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith is conscious and communicating from his hospital bed following a severe in-ring attack by Raja Jackson, the son of former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. The update was provided by Douglas Malo, the individual who intervened to stop the assault, in a report from TMZ Sports on August 27.
According to Malo, Smith has some memory of the day’s events but is still dealing with serious facial injuries, including multiple broken bones and broken teeth. The attack occurred at a Knokx Pro Wrestling event on Saturday, August 23, after a planned spot where Smith hit Jackson, who was in the crowd, with an empty beer can. Jackson later entered the ring and attacked an unconscious Smith.
Malo, who was also struck by Jackson during the intervention, recounted the incident. “I’m pissed at what he did to my friend,” Malo stated. “I’m pissed for him that when I went to take him off and told him to calm down, he tried to double leg me… If he would have double legged me, he would have done the same thing to me that he did to Stu, you know?”
The wrestling community has responded with significant financial support. A GoFundMe campaign for Smith’s medical expenses has raised approximately $150,000, with notable donations from YouTuber MrBeast ($10,000) and AEW’s Chris Jericho ($2,500). WWE Hall of Famer JBL called the incident “attempted murder” and placed the blame entirely on Jackson.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson addressed his son’s actions during a Kick livestream on August 26, expressing remorse for Smith’s injuries. “I feel bad about what happened to Syko Stu. I don’t condone what my son did at all,” he said, while also noting, “I’m a father, so you know, so I gotta have my son’s back.” He also revealed that his family has received death threats and racist abuse since the altercation.
However, WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry offered a different take to TMZ Sports, suggesting Smith shares some of the blame for initiating the confrontation backstage with the beer can.
Following the attack, Kick suspended Raja Jackson’s account for violating its community guidelines. The Los Angeles Police Department has also confirmed it has launched an investigation into the incident.