Photo: Getty Images
Independent wrestler Stuart 'Syko Stu' Smith is "conscious" and "currently resting" after Raja Jackson, the son of UFC legend Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, allegedly went off-script and pummeled him during their match over the weekend, his brother, Andrew, confirmed in a statement shared on his Facebook account.
"Good Morning. Thank you for the outpouring of support. Stuart is conscious and does have some recollection of events from the day of the attack," Andrew wrote. "Thank you everyone for reaching out, it’s been difficult to get back to everyone individually. We will be setting up something for anyone wishing to donate. I will update with a link when possible.
"He’s currently resting and says, ‘Thank you for the love and support’."
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that it responded to, took a police report on and is investigating the incident at KnokX Pro's KnokXperience event in Sun Valley on Saturday (August 23). Jackson took down Smith, an Army veteran, and landed more than 20 punches that appeared to be real and knock Smith unconscious during an otherwise scripted match.
Smith appeared to hit Jackson with a can outside the venue earlier in the night, which was believed to be part of the build-up to their match, however, Rampage Jackson claimed his son was told he could get "payback" for the incident during their match in a post on his X account Sunday (August 24).
"I want to clear up the misinformation about my son Raja," he wrote. "I’ve been confirmed that the wrestler ( Stewart Smith aka Syko Stu) is awake and stable. Raja was unexpectedly hit in the side of the head by him moments before Smith’s match, Raja was told that he could get his “payback” in the ring,i thought it was apart of the show. It was bad judgement, and a work that went wrong. Raja is a MMA fighter not a pro wrestler and had no business involved in an event like this. I don’t condone my son’s actions AT ALL! He suffered a concussion from sparring only days ago and had no business doing anything remotely close to physical contact. As a father, im deeply concerned with his health AND the well being of Mr. Smith. That being said I’m very upset that any of this happened,but my main concern now is that Mr. Smith will make a speedy recovery.I apologize on his behalf and to KICK for the situation."
KnokX Pro shared a post on its Facebook account Sunday condemning Raja's actions.
"First and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with our brother Mr. Stuart Smith (Syko Stu) as he remains a priority and we are monitoring his well being," the wrestling promotion wrote. "What was supposed to be a planned and agreed upon wrestling spot, turned into a selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith. This egregious act is reprehensible and never should have occurred.
"In the 17 years of operation of KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, there has never been anything as heinous take place such as this and we apologize to our patrons and fans.”
Rampage Jackson was one of mixed martial arts' brightest stars during a popularity boom in the late 2000s, having unified the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and Pride Middleweight Championship at UFC 75, as well as his tenure with Pride FC, having been known for his eccentric personality and aggressive fighting style.