The controversial incident that unfolded at a KnokX Pro Wrestling event last month has taken an unexpected turn, as the victim himself chose not to pursue criminal charges against his attacker.
Stuart Smith, known in professional wrestling circles as ‘Syko Stu,’ was assaulted by Raja Jackson, son of former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. The incident happened during what was supposed to be an entertaining wrestling match.
The attack left Smith hospitalized with severe injuries including facial fractures, broken teeth, and head trauma after Jackson delivered an estimated 22 punches to the unconscious wrestler.
Despite the severity of his injuries and the traumatic nature of the assault, Smith made the personal decision not to press charges against Jackson. This choice was confirmed by wrestler Doug Malo, who performs under the name “Doug the Epic” and was the one who physically intervened to stop the attack.
“There was enough evidence on video where they don’t need anybody to press charges,” Malo explained during an appearance on the Scaling Up Podcast. “With ‘Stu,’ like from the beginning, I said he mostly likely won’t want to press charges. That’s where we’re left at. I don’t want to speak for him, but from what I know, that’s the case.”
The state has moved forward with felony charges regardless of Smith’s wishes, as prosecutors determined they had sufficient evidence to proceed without the victim’s cooperation. The entire incident was captured on video, providing clear documentation of the assault that prosecutors could use in their case.
Jackson was arrested and subsequently released on a $50,000 bail. His release has prompted discussions about the importance of mental health intervention before his trial date arrives.
Malo expressed hope that Jackson’s release would lead to proper mental health treatment. “Hopefully Raja getting bailed out means he’ll get checked into a mental health care, or some type of before trial,” he said.
The wrestler who stopped the attack believes that mental health issues played a significant role in the incident, noting that Jackson appeared to be in an altered state during the assault. “I think that’s a big issue that needs to be addressed, his trauma because he wasn’t there that day. His eyes, his everything. Plus, the fact that you were able to be pushed into that shows some type of mental capacity that you could be almost pushed into murdering somebody,” Malo continued. “That’s a fragile state of mind.”
Despite the severity of what occurred, Malo holds out hope for Jackson’s rehabilitation and potential positive impact on others who might face similar struggles. “Let’s say he goes in there (prison), he gets out, he gets mental treatment. He could actually come out and help other people not do what he did and be a force for good at that point.”
The case continues to move through the legal system, with Jackson’s court date still pending.
