A story claiming Ludwig Kaiser was defending himself and Andrea Bazarte from ICE-related comments following his recent arrest is now being questioned by people inside WWE.
Kaiser, who currently portrays El Grande Americano in AAA, was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from an alleged April 23 altercation at the Paramount on Lake Eola Apartments in Orlando, Florida. His real name is Marcel Barthel.
False Finish previously stated that WWE management was not expected to discipline Kaiser over the arrest. Fightful Select has now provided a more revealing update, stating that multiple sources within WWE believe the story about Kaiser acting in defense of himself and Bazarte was planted within the company.
According to Fightful Select, an unfamiliar phone number reached out to several members of the wrestling media with that version of events. The story did not come directly from Kaiser, Bazarte or a member of WWE’s team.
That narrative apparently did not sit well with everyone backstage. Fightful noted that some talent were in disbelief over the idea that the situation should be framed as a “defense,” with the feeling expressed that Kaiser should have simply removed himself from the situation.
Despite questions surrounding how that account began circulating, Kaiser is not believed to have heat within WWE. Sources spoken to by Fightful expect the battery charge to eventually be dismissed based on information they have received, and WWE was filled in on the details by the night of his arrest.
Ringside News previously reported that Kaiser turned himself in after learning there was an active warrant for his arrest. He later posted $1,000 bond and submitted a written plea of not guilty.
The misdemeanor battery case remains active. Investigators previously stated that probable cause was established through witness statements, visible injuries, surveillance footage and a photo lineup identification.
The legal situation also created questions about Kaiser’s ability to continue traveling for WWE and AAA commitments. His legal team filed a supplemental motion requesting permission for him to travel outside Florida and internationally while the case continues, noting that prosecutors did not object.
“Since the initial filing of the Motion to Travel, undersigned counsel communicated with Assistant State Attorney Shaylynne Kotch, who indicated no objection to this motion. WHEREFORE, for the foregoing reasons, the Defendant respectfully requests this Honorable Court to enter an Order allowing him to travel out of the State of Florida and internationally.”
Fightful Select noted that Kaiser is not expected to have any issues traveling for shows now that a judge has approved the request. WWE also did not expect him to miss his upcoming mask vs. mask match connected to the El Grande Americano storyline.
AAA had initially canceled El Grande Americano’s “Serenata Para” appearance after Kaiser’s arrest before quickly rescheduling the event. Kaiser later appeared on AAA programming, and his current storyline has continued moving forward.
The biggest question now is not whether Kaiser will remain on television, because WWE and AAA appear prepared to keep using him. It is how a defense narrative that some people inside WWE do not believe ended up being sent to wrestling media while his criminal case is still active.
What do you think about WWE sources believing the Ludwig Kaiser defense story was planted after his arrest? Leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments.
