Syko Stu opens up about the lasting effects of Raja Jackson’s savage attack as he talks about the incident for the first time.
Wrestler Syko Stu has shared how a shocking attack by the son of a former UFC star has had a lasting effect on his health.
Back in August 2025, Syko Stu, whose real name is Stuart Smith, ended up in the hospital with broken facial bones and lost teeth after a harsh assault from Raja Jackson, son of former UFC light heavyweight champ Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
At a Knokx Pro Wrestling show in Los Angeles, Raja slammed Stu to the ground and then punched him at least 20 times, in a violent moment caught on Raja’s Kick stream. Raja’s attack was unexpected, going off script during the match. The plan was for Raja to get involved after a backstage scuffle where Stu hit him with a beer can. Raja later apologized after realizing he wasn’t supposed to be that aggressive.
Raja showed little regret as he was escorted out with blood on his shirt. He was arrested, charged, and later pleaded no contest to battery causing serious injury, serving 90 days in jail. As part of the plea deal, Stu was entitled to $81,000.
In his first interview since the incident, Stu, a US Army veteran, opened up about how he now deals with memory problems from a severe traumatic brain injury. On the SOS Podcast with Matt Rosa and Neno Torres, he said, “I had to relearn how to walk. I couldn’t walk for a while. I lost two teeth, shattered my maxilla, and have other injuries I can’t even remember right now. I was off work for a whole year.”
He added, “My job involves a lot of computer work, just going to doctor’s appointments. I’m still waiting on dental implants and continuing treatment for the brain injury. My wife tells me things, and I forget them five minutes later. Sometimes I do things more than once because I don’t remember doing them. There are people whose faces and names I can’t recall.”
Initially, Rampage apologized on his son’s behalf but later accused Stu of being drunk and causing issues backstage. Because of this, Stu ignored a phone call from Rampage. He said, “I didn’t have my phone in the hospital and when I checked, Rampage had called and wanted me to call back. But then he went on podcasts trashing me. I’m not going to call someone back who’s already made up their mind about me. I let it go, but it hurt hearing those lies, especially since people who know me don’t support those claims.”
Stu has shown interest in wrestling again despite advice not to get back in the ring. While he’s physically able, he struggles mentally to remember moves and sequences. When asked if he holds a grudge or thinks justice was done, Stu said he’s “not holding a grudge” but that justice might have to wait for now.