WWE star argues self-defense and requests immunity under Florida law.
Summary
– Ludwig Kaiser filed a motion asking the court to dismiss his misdemeanor battery charge
– His attorneys claim he acted in self-defense after Richard Reap approached him aggressively
– Kaiser remains free on bond ahead of his scheduled July 16 pre-trial conference
Ludwig Kaiser has asked a Florida court to dismiss the misdemeanor battery charge filed against him following an April confrontation.
Attorneys representing Kaiser, whose legal name is Marcel Barthel, submitted the motion one day before his scheduled pre-trial conference. The defense argues that his actions were protected by Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.
The filing provides Kaiser’s account of the April 23, 2026, incident at an Orlando apartment complex. Richard Reap previously claimed the confrontation began after he criticized Kaiser and his girlfriend for their behavior inside an elevator.
Kaiser’s attorneys offered a different version of events. They stated that Kaiser, WWE, and AAA broadcaster Andrea Bazarte were hugging when Reap allegedly became angry and made offensive remarks toward them.
The defense claims Kaiser followed Reap out of the elevator to challenge his comments verbally. Reap allegedly responded with another insulting statement directed at Bazarte before moving toward Kaiser with his hands raised.
Kaiser reportedly pushed Reap away because he believed Reap was preparing to attack him. His attorneys maintain that Kaiser did not threaten or touch Reap before the alleged aggressive approach.
According to the filing, Kaiser returned to the elevator with Bazarte before Reap approached them again. Kaiser allegedly stepped outside and pushed Reap away a second time because he feared for their safety.
The defense also claims Reap threw a soft drink bottle toward Kaiser after the second confrontation. Kaiser allegedly did not retaliate and instead remained inside the elevator before leaving the area.
Kaiser’s legal team argues that he used only the force needed to prevent an immediate attack. The motion requests immunity from prosecution and the dismissal of the battery charge under Florida’s self-defense statute.
His attorneys recently requested surveillance footage from the 12th-floor elevator outside the apartment building. They believe the video could support Kaiser’s account of the confrontation.
Kaiser has pleaded not guilty and remains free on bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 16, when a pre-trial conference will address the next stage of the case.
