Ludwig Kaiser’s battery case is not going away yet, but it also is not heading to trial anytime soon.
A pre-trial conference was held on July 16 for the WWE star, whose real name is Marcel Barthel and who also performs as El Grande Americano. Court records that Ringside News obtained show that Kaiser waived his right to a speedy trial, allowing the case to move beyond the normal deadline for trial proceedings.
That means both sides agreed to give the court more time before the case reaches its next major stage. A second pre-trial conference is now scheduled for August 27, 2026, with Judge Andrew L. Cameron presiding.
The charge stems from an April 23 incident at an Orlando apartment complex involving Kaiser and Richard Reap. Reap claims the confrontation started after he saw Kaiser and a woman kissing aggressively inside an elevator and told them to have some manners.
Kaiser’s legal team tells a completely different story. According to the defense, Kaiser and his girlfriend, WWE and AAA broadcaster Andrea Bazarte, were hugging when Reap became angry and made an offensive comment as he exited the elevator.
“The elevator stopped at the 12th floor where Mr. Reap exited, and as he exited, Mr. Reap made loud comments to Mr. Barthel and his girlfriend to the effect of, ‘Have some f**ing respect.’ Apparently, Mr. Reap was offended by Mr. Barthel and his girlfriend hugging while in the elevator.”*
The filing claims Kaiser leaned out of the elevator because he was confused by the comment. Reap then allegedly directed another remark at Bazarte, who is of Mexican descent.
“Mr. Barthel leaned out of the elevator to ask Mr. Reap what he said, as he was confused by the statement. Mr. Reap then made a statement to the effect of, ‘Have some respect before I call ICE on that bitch.’ Mr. Barthel’s girlfriend is of Mexican descent.”
Kaiser’s attorneys claim he stepped out of the elevator and confronted Reap verbally, but did not threaten or touch him. They argue that Reap then moved toward Kaiser with his hands raised, causing Kaiser to believe he was about to be attacked.
“Mr. Barthel exited the elevator and confronted Mr. Reap verbally, telling him his statements were offensive and inappropriate. Mr. Barthel did not threaten or touch Mr. Reap at that point. Mr. Reap then came toward Mr. Barthel aggressively, raising his hands and getting very close to him. Mr. Barthel, in fear that Mr. Reap was going to batter him, pushed Mr. Reap away.”
The defense says Kaiser returned to the elevator, where Bazarte remained, but Reap approached them again. Kaiser allegedly stepped out and told him to leave them alone before Reap moved toward the elevator a second time.
“Mr. Barthel walked back into the elevator, where his girlfriend was standing. Mr. Reap then approached the elevator in a threatening manner. Mr. Barthel stepped out of the elevator and told Mr. Reap to leave them alone.”
According to the filing, Reap briefly walked away before returning once again.
“Mr. Reap walked away briefly and came back toward the elevator again in a threatening manner. Mr. Barthel was concerned that Mr. Reap would physically attack him or his girlfriend, so he pushed him away and returned to the elevator.”
Kaiser’s attorneys also allege that Reap threw a soft drink bottle at him before the confrontation ended. They claim Kaiser did not retaliate and instead left the area with Bazarte.
“Mr. Reap then threw a soft drink bottle at Mr. Barthel. Mr. Barthel did not retaliate. Rather, he remained in the elevator, pushed the button for his floor and left the area.”
The defense argues that Kaiser only used force after Reap allegedly approached him aggressively and that the pushes were meant to stop a possible attack.
“In this altercation, Mr. Barthel pushed Mr. Reap only after Mr. Reap had approached Mr. Barthel aggressively and threatened him. Mr. Barthel pushed Mr. Reap to stop his continuing approach and attack. Mr. Barthel then entered the elevator, where his girlfriend remained, and left the area.”
Kaiser has pleaded not guilty, and his attorneys have asked the court to dismiss the misdemeanor battery charge under Florida’s self-defense law. They are also seeking surveillance footage from outside the 12th-floor elevator, which they believe could support his version of events.
For now, no dismissal has been granted. The July 16 hearing only moved the case forward and gave both sides more time, with the next courtroom update now set for August 27.
Do you think the surveillance footage could decide Ludwig Kaiser’s case, or will this continue dragging through court? Share your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.
