Syko Stu says he had to relearn how to walk after Raja Jackson assault

In his first interview since the attack, Stuart Smith says he still has memory problems from a traumatic brain injury and explains why he did not call Rampage Jackson back.

By Darren Murray · Published Wed 21 Oct, 15:12 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Illustration of Stuart Smith, known as Syko Stu, at a podcast microphone — Original graphic: Combat Sports UK

Pro wrestler Stuart Smith, known as Syko Stu, has given his first interview since Raja Jackson assaulted him at a pro wrestling event over a year ago, and says the hospital did not release him until he had relearned how to walk.

The US Army veteran suffered a traumatic brain injury and says he is still living with the effects. He told the SOSPodcast that his memory is the main problem: he forgets things his wife tells him minutes later, repeats tasks because he does not remember doing them, and no longer remembers a lot of people. He has no memory of the day of the attack or of the several days that followed.

Asked whether Raja or his father, former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, had tried to reach out, Smith said he knew Rampage had called and wanted a call back. He lost interest, he said, after seeing Rampage go on podcasts and criticise him, and he saw no point in calling someone who had already made up his mind about him.

Raja Jackson was taken into custody by the LAPD after the incident and pleaded not guilty last year. Earlier this year he took a plea deal in the battery case, which brought 90 days in jail and two years of formal probation.

Asked what comes next, Smith said he wants to feel better and get his mind right.