Army veteran and professional wrestler Stuart Smith, better known as Syko Stu, was hospitalised after an incident during a live streamed wrestling event in Los Angeles on Saturday, August 23.
The altercation occurred at the Knox Experience show, organised by KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy. Raja Jackson, the son of former UFC fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, entered the ring and attacked Smith, slamming him to the mat and delivering multiple punches.
Witnesses reported that Smith sustained broken facial bones and lost several teeth, leaving him in critical care but stable condition. The incident is under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
While the confrontation has drawn significant attention, Smith’s personal journey explains why his story resonates beyond the wrestling ring.
A former American soldier, Smith served in the military before leaving service in 2009. Struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the challenges of civilian life, Smith says that he turned to wrestling through KnokX Pro as a way of finding focus and stability.
Wrestling provided Smith with both an outlet for aggression and a sense of community. Performing in front of a crowd, he discovered, eased his anxiety rather than intensifying it. His dedication to the sport allowed him to embrace both his in-ring persona, Syko Stu, and his true self.
Smith has also endured personal loss, with his mother passing away from cancer in 2020. Despite these challenges, he continued his wrestling career, balancing his military past with his passion for performance.
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