Liputan6.com, Jakarta - World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star Ludwig Kaiser, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, was arrested on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Orange County, Florida.
The arrest was made on a battery charge following an alleged altercation with a neighbor at his luxury apartment complex in Orlando.
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Barthel, who was 35 at the time of the incident, was charged with misdemeanor battery after surrendering to authorities.
It stemmed from an incident in an apartment elevator that escalated into a physical confrontation.
Despite his arrest, Barthel was released on $1,000 bail and, through his attorney, Thomas D. Sommerville, has pleaded not guilty.
He also requested a trial to prove his innocence.
The case is still pending, and there has been no official statement from WWE regarding the incident involving one of their stars.
Chronology of the Alleged Assault
The alleged assault incident involving Ludwig Kaiser, also known as Marcel Barthel, happened on the evening of April 23, 2026, at the Paramount on Lake Eola Apartments on East Pine Street in Orlando, Florida.
According to the police report, the victim, identified as Richard Reap, entered an elevator with Barthel and a woman.
During the elevator ride, Barthel and the woman reportedly engaged in a "uncontrollably intimate" display of affection, aggressive kissing.
When the elevator reached the 12th floor and the victim exited, he asked the couple to "please have some manners."
This comment, according to the victim, prompted Barthel to physically assault him.
Barthel allegedly punched the victim multiple times, pushed him to the floor, and made threats of violence.
Police officers responding to the incident noted physical evidence on the victim.
Surveillance footage from the 12th-floor apartment also showed a white male punching and pushing the victim outside the elevator at the time reported.
Ludwig Kaiser's Legal Process and Defense
Marcel Barthel, who uses the stage name Ludwig Kaiser, learned of the warrant for his arrest while in Mexico on business on May 19, 2026.
In response, he immediately returned to Orlando and surrendered to authorities the following day.
Barthel was charged with misdemeanor battery and released on $1,000 bail.
Through his attorney, Thomas D. Sommerville, Barthel has formally entered a not guilty plea and requested a trial to prove his innocence.
The arrest warrant does not list any charges involving weapons, firearms, intoxication, or the shared residence between Barthel and the victim.
Barthel's defense team has also filed a motion with the court requesting permission for Barthel to travel outside of Florida and internationally while the case is pending.
This request was based on his obligations as an international performer and the fact that he had no prior criminal history.
Barthel was ordered to have no contact with the victim or witnesses during the legal proceedings.
Arrest Impact on Ludwig Kaiser's Wrestling Career
Ludwig Kaiser's arrest happened days before the highly anticipated "Mask vs. Mask" match between Barthel (as El Grande Americano) and Chad Gable.
The match was scheduled for May 30, 2026, at the "Noche de los Grande" event in Monterrey, Mexico.
As a direct result, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide officially canceled the "Serenata for El Grande Americano" event scheduled for May 21 in Mexico City.
To date, WWE has not issued a public statement regarding the incident involving Ludwig Kaiser.
However, Barthel continues to appear on WWE programming.
Even so, his future commitment to Lucha Libre AAA will likely depend heavily on a court ruling regarding his travel approval.