WWE Star Ludwig Kaiser’s Defense Makes Major Request In Battery Case
A major update has emerged in the battery case involving Ludwig Kaiser.
The former WWE Speed Champion was arrested on May 20 in Orlando after a man named Richard Reap accused him of physically assaulting him during a confrontation. The incident occurred in late April.
He was released after posting a $1,000 bond.
Ludwig Kaiser, real name Marcel Barthel, is fighting back and has pleaded not guilty. In accordance, his lawyers asked the court for leniency in his international travel restrictions, as he regularly performed in Mexico for AAA Lucha Libre as El Grande Americano.
Kaiser’s last fight was arguably the most important bout in his wrestling career, where he faced the “Original” El Grande Americano (Chad Gable) in a Mask vs. Mask match.
Their feud ended at Noche de Los Grandes on May 30 with Kaiser securing a victory in the high-stakes match that saw Gable unveiled as the man behind the mask.
Ludwig Kaiser’s Team Files Motion To Secure Surveillance Footage
In addition to easing Ludwig Kaiser’s international travel restrictions, his team had also requested the court to view the surveillance footage of the incident.
According to the latest report by Ringside News, a motion has been filed to secure the surveillance video from the Orlando apartment where the incident took place.
Kaiser’s defense claimed that while the area is under surveillance, the apartment was refusing to release the video unless it was issued a subpoena.
The motion filed by the lawyers reads:
Mr. Barthel was arrested and charged with Battery following an incident that occurred at the [Orlando, Florida apartment complex] on or about April 23, 2026.
The alleged incident took place outside of the elevator on the 12th floor of the apartment complex. Upon information and belief, the event was recorded by video surveillance monitored and stored by [the apartment complex].
Undersigned counsel contacted the General Manager of [the apartment complex] who indicated that the footage could not be released without a subpoena.
Ludwig Kaiser’s team filing the motion is an indication that the footage will come in handy for the defense. It is also noteworthy that the State is not against the motion, meaning securing the video should not be difficult.
Mr. Barthel requires a copy of the recording, which should show the alleged incident, to prepare a proper defense.
Undersigned counsel contacted Assistant State Attorney Shaylynne Kotch who indicated that the State does not object to this motion.
The lawyers are hopeful of securing the footage soon, as the WWE star is scheduled to attend a pre-trial conference on July 16.
Furthermore, his trial window has been listed from August 10 to August 28, but could be resolved early as well. At present, the important thing on everyone’s mind is what the surveillance footage shows, which could make or break Ludwig Kaiser’s situation.