A new report from TMZ has confirmed that independent wrestler Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith is alert and communicating following the in-ring assault by Raja Jackson on August 23. The update comes directly from Douglas Malo, the wrestler who intervened to stop the attack.
According to Malo, Stu is showing signs of progress but is dealing with serious facial injuries. “[Stu] remembers mostly what happened during the early parts of the day. He’s talking a little bit. He’s alert. He’s still got some injuries that are very serious. Not, like, life-threatening serious, but, facial injuries, stuff like that.”
Malo also gave his account of the altercation, expressing his anger over Jackson’s actions. “I’m pissed at what he did to my friend. I’m pissed for him punching me in the face,” Malo told TMZ. He also revealed that after he pulled Jackson off Stu, Jackson attempted to take him down. “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?”
This update marks an improvement from earlier reports from Stu’s family, which described his condition as “stable but in critical care.” His brother had previously stated that the U.S. Army veteran sustained severe head injuries—including multiple facial fractures, broken teeth, memory loss, and speech difficulties—and was facing a “difficult recovery ahead.”
The attack occurred during a KnokX Pro Wrestling event in Los Angeles. The incident escalated from a planned spot where Stu, as part of the show, hit Jackson, who was in the crowd, with an empty beer can. Jackson later entered the ring for what was meant to be a scripted payback but legitimately assaulted an unconscious Stu with multiple punches.
In the aftermath, KnokX Pro Wrestling condemned the assault as a “selfish and irresponsible act of violence,” and the LAPD launched an investigation into the matter. Raja Jackson’s account on the streaming platform Kick was also suspended for violating community guidelines.
Support from the wrestling world has been significant. A GoFundMe organized to cover Stu’s medical bills and lost income has raised approximately $150,000. Notable contributors include YouTuber MrBeast, who donated $10,000, and AEW’s Chris Jericho, who gave $2,500, alongside figures like Jack Perry, Swerve Strickland, and Miro.
The incident has drawn sharp commentary from industry veterans. WWE Hall of Famer JBL called the attack “attempted murder.” In contrast, Mark Henry suggested that while Jackson was wrong, Stu held some responsibility for initiating the angle with the beer can. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Raja’s father, expressed remorse for Stu’s injuries and stated he does not condone his son’s actions, but also noted his family has received death threats and racist abuse since the event.