Syko Stu’s home, still on ‘long road of recovery’ after Raja Jackson/KnokX Pro incident

This week starts with a positive update to the big story that dominated the early part of last week: the ill-advised work at an Aug. 23 independent wrestling show in Southern California that led to the brutal assault of pro wrestler Syko Stu (real name Stuart Smith) by MMA fighter Raja Jackson (son of Pride & UFC legend Rampage Jackson).

If you missed it, problems began when Smith got physical with Jackson outside the venue prior to a card put on by WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi’s KnokX Pro school/promotion. Other wrestlers and KnokX Pro officials then encouraged Jackson to run-in on Smith’s match during the show. Without proper training and despite apologies from Smith about their earlier issue, the run-in saw Jackson knock Smith out with a slam and then repeatedly punch him in the head while he was unable to defend himself. The 25-year-old also fought with those who tried to pull him off Smith when it became apparent that what was happening wasn’t planned

Smith was hospitalized, and early reports on his prognosis were positive. The incident is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, and Rikishi’s promotion has lost its WWE Independent Development program affiliation while current and former members of the KnokX Pro roster talk who’s to blame for what happened a couple Saturday’s ago.

That will all play out over the coming weeks, months, and possibly years. Smith’s road back to his old life will be just as long, and time will tell how much of that life he can resume. For now, the important thing is that he’s out of the hospital, as we learned yesterday in this Instagram post signed by both Stu and his partner Contessa Patterson:

Stuart has been released from the hospital and is now home resting. He sustained a serious head injury and was unconscious upon arrival at the ER. His injuries include trauma to both the upper and lower jaws, a laceration to his upper lip, and a fracture to the maxilla bone, which unfortunately resulted in the loss of several teeth.

He has a long road of recovery ahead, but he remains in good spirits despite everything he has been through.

We are deeply grateful for all the love and support we’ve received during this time. Thank you to everyone who has contributed in any way—whether through monetary donations, food, flowers, or gifts. Your kindness means more than words can express.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

With love and respect,
Contessa Patterson & Stuart Smith (aka SykoStu)

A GoFundMe to cover Stu’s medical expenses and assist his family while he recovers has raised more than $200,000 as of this writing. Mr. Beast, Chris Jericho, Finn Bálor, Swerve Strickland, Nic Nemeth and many more have contributed. You can do so here, if you choose.

Regardless, join us in sending continued well-wishes to Smith, Patterson, and their loved ones.