A Florida judge will hear the WWE star’s self-defense argument during an October court appearance
Summary
– Ludwig Kaiser’s motion to dismiss his misdemeanor battery charge will be heard on October 19
– His attorneys argue that he acted in self-defense during an April confrontation in Orlando
– Kaiser has pleaded not guilty and could avoid a trial if the judge grants the motion
Ludwig Kaiser will return to court in October as his attorneys attempt to have a misdemeanor battery charge dismissed.
Court documents state that a hearing on Kaiser’s motion is scheduled for October 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Judge Andrew L. Cameron is expected to oversee the proceeding at the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando.
Kaiser, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, also performs in WWE as El Grande Americano. His attorneys filed notice of the hearing on July 28 and are seeking dismissal under Florida’s self-defense law.
The case stems from an April 23 confrontation at an Orlando apartment complex involving Kaiser and Richard Reap. Reap has alleged that the dispute began after he saw Kaiser and a woman kissing inside an elevator and told them to show more respect.
Kaiser’s legal team disputes that version of events. According to the defense, Kaiser and his girlfriend, WWE and AAA broadcaster Andrea Bazarte, were hugging when Reap made an angry remark while exiting the elevator on the 12th floor.
The attorneys claim Kaiser leaned out of the elevator because he did not understand the comment. Reap then allegedly made another statement directed at Bazarte and threatened to call immigration authorities on her.
Kaiser’s defense says he stepped out of the elevator to confront Reap but did not initially touch him. The filing alleges that Reap then approached Kaiser with his hands raised and moved close enough to make Kaiser believe an attack was coming.
Kaiser allegedly pushed Reap away before moving back toward the elevator. His attorneys claim Reap briefly walked away and then returned in a threatening manner.
The defense argues that Kaiser pushed Reap a second time because he feared for his own safety and Bazarte’s safety. Kaiser then returned to the elevator rather than continuing the confrontation.
His attorneys also allege that Reap threw a soft drink bottle at Kaiser as the encounter ended. They say Kaiser did not retaliate and instead remained inside the elevator before leaving the area.
Kaiser has pleaded not guilty to the charge. His legal team maintains that any force he used was limited to protecting himself and Bazarte.
The October hearing could determine whether the case proceeds toward trial. If the judge grants the motion, the battery charge could be dismissed. If the request is denied, the case will continue through the court system.
