Impartial wrestler Stuart Smith, identified professionally as Syko Stu, was discharged from the hospital on Sunday and is now recovering at residence following a violent assault throughout a wrestling occasion in Los Angeles. The incident occurred on August 23, 2025, at a KnokX Professional Wrestling occasion and resulted in Smith struggling critical accidents that required a week-long hospital keep.
Smith, Syko Stu, sustained a extreme head damage and was unconscious when he arrived on the emergency room. His accidents included trauma to each the higher and decrease jaws, a laceration to his higher lip, and a fracture to the maxilla bone, ensuing within the lack of a number of enamel. The assertion launched on Smith’s Fb web page confirmed that he faces “a protracted street of restoration forward” however stays “in good spirits regardless of every thing he has been by”.
The assault was perpetrated by Raja Jackson, the son of former UFC gentle heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Throughout what was initially deliberate as a scripted wrestling section, Raja Jackson entered the ring and body-slammed Smith earlier than repeatedly punching him within the head whereas Smith lay immobile. The incident was broadcast stay on the streaming platform Kick, and different wrestlers intervened to cease the assault.
Syko Stu Assertion
“Stuart has been launched from the hospital and is now residence resting. He sustained a critical head damage and was unconscious upon arrival on the ER. His accidents embrace trauma to each the higher and decrease jaws, a laceration to his higher lip, and a fracture to the maxilla bone, which sadly resulted within the lack of a number of enamel. He has a protracted street of restoration forward, however he stays in good spirits regardless of every thing he has been by.
We’re deeply grateful for all of the love and assist we’ve acquired throughout this time. Thanks to everybody who has contributed in any manner—whether or not by financial donations, meals, flowers, or items. Your kindness means greater than phrases can specific.
From the underside of my coronary heart, thanks. With love and respect, Contessa Patterson & Stuart Smith (aka SykoStu)”
Investigation and Authorized Proceedings
The Los Angeles Police Division launched a prison investigation instantly following the incident. In keeping with wrestler Douglas Malo, who helped cease the assault, fees are anticipated to be filed towards Raja Jackson within the coming days. Malo said throughout a podcast look that he spoke with a detective on the case who indicated “the state goes to choose it up” because of the proof obtainable.
The assault started with an earlier altercation outdoors the venue the place Syko Stu had struck Jackson with a beer can throughout what gave the impression to be a deliberate confrontation for the present. Though the 2 appeared to reconcile, Jackson was reportedly advised he might get his “payback” within the ring. Nonetheless, what was supposed as a scripted wrestling spot escalated into what KnokX Professional Wrestling Academy referred to as “a egocentric, irresponsible act of violence”.
Business Fallout
The incident has had important penalties for KnokX Professional Wrestling Academy, which is owned by WWE Corridor of Famer Rikishi and Reno “Black Pearl” Anoa’i. WWE severed its ties with the promotion, eradicating it from the WWE ID expertise improvement program that was established in October 2024. This system was designed to create a pipeline for impartial wrestlers to achieve WWE, and KnokX Professional was one of many authentic companions introduced.
The wrestling college is reportedly experiencing a mass exodus of scholars, with wrestler Douglas Malo describing that “college students are dropping like flies.” Experiences point out that Rikishi, who was out of city through the incident, is planning a whole overhaul of the academy’s operations.
Smith’s spouse, Contessa Patterson, established a GoFundMe marketing campaign to assist with medical bills and misplaced earnings. The fundraiser has raised over $200,000 to assist Smith’s restoration. Patterson famous that Smith is a U.S. Military veteran who used wrestling to assist handle his post-traumatic stress dysfunction.
The assertion launched upon Smith’s hospital discharge expressed gratitude for the group assist: “Thanks to everybody who has contributed in any manner – whether or not by financial donations, meals, flowers, or items. Your kindness means greater than phrases can specific”.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson publicly condemned his son’s actions, stating he did “not assist my son’s actions AT ALL” and noting that Raja had suffered a concussion from sparring simply days earlier than the incident. The elder Jackson characterised the scenario as “a piece that went incorrect” and apologized on behalf of his son.
The incident has despatched shockwaves by the skilled wrestling group, highlighting problems with security and supervision in impartial wrestling promotions. As Smith continues his restoration at residence, the wrestling world awaits developments within the ongoing prison investigation whereas the business grapples with the long-term implications of this unprecedented assault.
