Did Stuart Smith start Syko Stu GoFundMe? Fundraisers explored as family speaks out against donation

Army veteran and independent wrestler Syko Stu, whose real name is Stuart Smith, was brutally attacked by his opponent, Raja Jackson, at the KnokX Pro’s wrestling event in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday.

Smith was knocked unconscious by Jackson’s punches in the ring and was later transported to the hospital, where he was treated for facial fractures and dental trauma. In the wake of this, several GoFundMe pages have been launched to raise funds to help with Syko Stu’s medical expenses.

One of them, titled “Support Syko Stu's Medical Recovery,” was claimed to have been started by Stuart Smith himself with a goal of $2,400.

“Raising funds for Syko Stu, who was brutally attacked by Rampage Jackson's son, all hands on deck to help him get some medical bills paid,” the description read.

However, neither Stuart Smith nor his family has launched a GoFundMe. In fact, his brother Andrew Smith took to Facebook on Sunday and shared that they haven’t started a fundraiser.

“We currently do not [have] a GoFundMe set up; any links posted are not affiliated with us.”

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Exploring the GoFundMe pages launched in Syko Stu’s name

Following Syko Stu’s hospitalization, as many as five fundraisers have been created on GoFundMe. They all shared a summary of Smith's injuries and the incident that led to them.

Other than the above-mentioned fake fundraiser, a person named Edison Reyes from Fort Hood, Texas, set up “Help Syko Stu Heal After Brutal In-Ring Assault.” It has a goal of $4,000 and has raised one donation of $25 as of writing.

“Stu was rushed to the hospital and is now awake and stable, but his recovery will be long and difficult. He faces mounting medical bills, rehabilitation, and time away from the sport and work he loves,” the description read.

It further claimed that the fundraiser will help cover the costs of his medical bills, rehab and therapy, lost income during recovery, and overall well-being.

“Stu should not have to face this challenge alone. Whether you donate or simply share this campaign, you can help ease his burden and show him that his community has his back. Please stand with Syko Stu as he heals and rebuilds. Together, we can help him return stronger than ever,” it ended.

Likewise, a Los Angeles-based man, Sebastian Aberle, organized the one titled “Help Veteran Wrestler Syko Stu Recover After Brutal Assault.” It has so far raised $5 against a $9,000 goal.

The fundraiser asked people from the wrestling community and beyond to contribute and spread the word.

“Let’s show Syko Stu that his community — wrestling fans, veterans, and kind-hearted people everywhere — has his back. Together, we can help him heal, rebuild, and return stronger than ever… Now, it’s our turn to stand by him,” the description read.

Like the previous ones, it too claimed it would help cover the expenses of Stu’s treatment, rehab, recovery, healing, and safety.

Another Los Angeles-based individual named Jon Miller organized a GoFundMe titled “Support for Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith After Recent Incident” with a goal of $30,000.

“Stuart is known in our community as a loyal friend, a fighter with a big heart, and someone who always shows up for the people around him. Now it’s our turn to show up for him. The road to recovery, whether through medical expenses, legal fees, or simply keeping life moving forward, is overwhelming for one person to bear alone,” it partly stated.

Lake Forest native D Bryant organized a fundraiser with the heading, “Help Syko Stu Overcome Assault Injuries.” While currently disabled, it claimed to raise donations to help with “any medical costs and financial burden” on Stuart Smith.

As already mentioned, none of these are affiliated with the real Syko Stu, as confirmed by his brother Andrew Smith, who further added an update.

“Thank you, everyone, for your prayers, concerns, and kind words for my brother Stu. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. He’s currently stable but in critical care. At this time, we’re focused on his recovery and appreciate all the support,” his Facebook post read.

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Stu’s friend and fellow independent wrestler Doug Malo told USA Today over the weekend that he was “awake and talking” at the hospital, and was still serious. Malo also informed about the extent of Smith’s injuries, including “broken bones in his face” and lost teeth.

On Sunday, Syko’s friend Marcus Hamm also took to Facebook to share a similar update.

“I know this is all over the media right now, and I have absolutely nothing to say regarding what transpired, but I want everyone who is concerned for Stuart Smith to know that he is awake now, but in bad shape, so please keep him in your prayers. It’s going to be a long road to recovery,” Hamm wrote with a picture of him, Stu, and others.

Raja Jackson’s father and former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson apologized on behalf of his son in a post on X. He shared that he didn’t “condone” Raja’s assault on Stuart.

The matter is currently under investigation by the LAPD. No arrests or charges have been reported yet. It has sparked widespread online outrage.