Ludwig Kaiser was arrested on a battery charge in Orange County, Florida on Tuesday, May 20, following an incident that reportedly stemmed from a physical altercation with another male.

Kaiser, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, was processed at Orange County Corrections and later released after posting $1,000 bond. The arrest records were first surfaced online before being confirmed by PWInsider. He has since entered a not guilty plea and is seeking permission from the court to continue traveling for WWE-related obligations.

According to the arrest affidavit, the incident dates back to April 24 and took place at Kaiser’s apartment building in downtown Orlando. The alleged victim, described as another resident of the building, claimed the altercation occurred shortly after a verbal exchange inside an elevator involving Kaiser and a female companion.

The affidavit stated: “The victim stated he was battered by an unknown white male just outside the elevator on the 12th floor. The victim advised that at approximately 1830 hours, he entered the elevator and was followed by an unknown white male and an unknown white female. The victim stated that as the elevator ascended, the male and female began acting in an ‘uncontrollably intimate’ manner, which he described as aggressively kissing.”

The situation escalated once the elevator reached the 12th floor.

“The victim stated that once the elevator reached the 12th floor, he exited the elevator and told the couple to ‘please have some manners.’ The victim advised that immediately after making the statement, the unknown male began attacking him. The victim described the attack as the male punching him multiple times and pushing him to the ground. The victim further stated the male made threats of additional violence toward him.”

A responding officer documented visible injuries, including a “large, fresh scratch” and redness on the victim’s head. Security footage reportedly shows a man punching and pushing the victim, and Kaiser was later identified as a suspect. The alleged victim also identified him in a photo lineup.

Under the conditions of his bond, Kaiser is prohibited from contacting the alleged victim, possessing firearms, or using controlled substances without a prescription. He must also avoid alcohol intoxication and maintain a separate residence, which is significant given that the reported incident took place at his primary home.

Kaiser was in Mexico for WWE-AAA appearances on May 19 when he learned of the warrant. He returned to Orlando the following day and turned himself in. His legal team has since filed a motion requesting permission for him to continue traveling, citing his international schedule and lack of prior criminal history.

The motion states: “Mr. Barthel is an international performer who is required to travel throughout the United States and around the world to remain employed. His primary residence is the apartment complex in downtown Orlando where the alleged incident occurred. Mr. Barthel has no prior criminal history anywhere in the world and is not a danger to others. He maintains his innocence and has retained undersigned counsel to assist him in this matter. He has every intention of appearing at all required court appearances related to these allegations.”

The court has not yet issued a ruling on the request.

Kaiser is currently advertised for AAA Noche de los Grandes on May 30, where he is scheduled to compete under his El Grande Americano persona in a mask vs. mask match against Chad Gable.

WWE has not released any public statement regarding the situation.

Ludwig Kaiser Arrested In Florida, Enters Not Guilty Plea And Seeks Travel Clearance

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