The wrestling community is currently shaken following an incident involving Raja Jackson, the son of former UFC champion Rampage Jackson, and professional wrestler Syko Stu, whose real name is Stuart Smith. Reports indicate that Smith is conscious but faces a difficult recovery ahead after being violently assaulted during a wrestling event on Saturday night in Sun Valley, California. This unfortunate event has raised significant concern among fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
Footage from the event, which has circulated on social media, captured Raja Jackson entering the ring during another match. In a shocking display, he threw Syko Stu to the mat and proceeded to strike him repeatedly while Smith lay motionless. The video, reportedly livestreamed on the platform Kick, showed Jackson straddling Smith and continuing the assault despite his incapacitated state. Other wrestlers eventually intervened to restrain Jackson, highlighting the chaotic scene.
While CNN has not independently verified the authenticity of the video, Kick confirmed that Raja Jackson's account has since been banned from the platform due to the nature of the incident. This has sparked widespread discussions online regarding the responsibilities of fighters and the implications of such actions on their careers and reputations.
Following the altercation, Andrew Smith, Syko Stu's brother, provided updates on social media, reassuring fans that his brother is conscious and has some recollection of the events surrounding the attack. He stated that Smith is currently resting but has suffered severe injuries to his head. Andrew emphasized the challenges his brother will face during recovery, stating, “He is currently conscious and able to talk but will have a difficult recovery ahead.”
In a heartfelt message, Andrew acknowledged the overwhelming support from the wrestling community and reiterated that Stuart Smith cherishes his passion for wrestling and values his fans and family outside the ring.
In light of the incident, Smith's wife, Contessa Patterson, has launched a fundraising campaign aimed at covering his medical expenses and compensating for his lost income due to this “unscripted assault.” She highlighted that Smith, a U.S. Army veteran, has used wrestling as a therapeutic outlet to cope with PTSD. The campaign has garnered significant attention, raising nearly $70,000 at the time of this writing, showing the community's commitment to supporting one of their own during this challenging time.
Following the incident, Rampage Jackson took to Twitter to express his disapproval of his son's actions. In a statement posted on X, he emphasized, “I don’t condone my son’s actions AT ALL!” He revealed that Raja had recently suffered a concussion from sparring, questioning the judgment that led to such a dangerous situation. Rampage's primary concern remains the health and recovery of Syko Stu, as he publicly apologized on behalf of his son and the organization involved.
The organizers of the event, KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, issued a statement clarifying that what was intended to be a scripted segment—a common practice in wrestling—degenerated into an act of violence. They condemned the actions as "selfish" and "irresponsible," asserting that no such egregious behavior has occurred in their 17 years of operation. The academy has expressed deep regret over the incident, vowing to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants in the future.
The incident involving Raja Jackson and Syko Stu has raised important questions about safety in combat sports and the responsibilities of fighters. As Syko Stu begins his recovery journey, the wrestling community continues to rally in support, illustrating the strong bonds that exist within this unique sports culture. Moving forward, the focus will remain on healing and ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.
