2 weeks ago
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A wrestler who leapt into the ring to stop Raja Jackson's savage off-script assault on Stuart Smith has described in harrowing detail how he tried to halt the chaos — only to be punched himself.
The shocking brawl unfolded at an independent wrestling event in Los Angeles on Saturday when Raja Jackson, 25, jumped from his front-row seat and launched a brutal unplanned attack on veteran performer Stuart Smith, known to fans as 'Syko Stu'.
Witnesses said Smith was left 'choking on his own teeth' after being slammed to the canvas and struck repeatedly in the head until security and fellow wrestlers piled in.
One of those who rushed to intervene was Douglas Malo, who has now relived the terrifying ordeal on the Scaling Up Podcast.
'I got a whisper that something's not right and I might be needed to check a scenario and whether this guy is going to do a spot,' Malo recalled.
'I talked to the person up front with the radio and walked back to the ring.
Horrifying footage shows the son of Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson pummelling a wrestler
Raja Jackson punched 'Syko Stu' after lifting him over his head and slamming him to the floor
'I see the slam, I see the first punch and the second punch. I kind of wish I would have just sprung on the slam.
'You watch somebody you care about, he's a veteran and these are people who are supposed to love him and I'm the only one on the outskirts to be told to watch this apparently.
'I'm in there and trying to tell the guy to calm down and he's trying to fight me. It's all f***ed.
'I'm not even fighting or being hostile and then you f***ing punch me in the f***ing eye after we're breaking it up.
'That's why I punched you and you're lucky I was tired from the match. What kind of f***ing person are you, you low-life clown?
'You want clout so you beat up a guy that's half unconscious.'
Footage of the brutal attack has been widely circulated online.
Smith's brother Andrew has since issued a sobering update on his condition.
'Syko Stu was left hospitalised after the attack, which is being investigated by police
Former UFC champion 'Rampage' Jackson apologized for his son's actions on social media
'Stuart is resting since he sustained severe injures to his head. He is currently conscious and able to talk but will have a difficult recovery ahead,' he wrote on social media.
'With all the media and social media attention it's been hard to get back to everyone. Stuart Smith appreciates all the love and support. He loves wrestling, his wrestling family, and all his fans and supporters.
'Wrestling has been a huge part of his life and he lives to put on a performance.
'He's also just a regular guy with a life and family outside the ring. His wife Contessa has currently set up a go fund me for those wishing to donate.
'We appreciate all the support during this difficult time, thank you.'
More than $70,000 has already been raised to help with Smith's recovery.
Police in Los Angeles are investigating the incident, while Raja's father Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson has apologised publicly, admitting his son 'had no business involved in an event like this' and that it was 'a work that went wrong'.
