Ludwig Kaiser’s legal situation is now spilling into his wrestling schedule, as an AAA appearance tied to his El Grande Americano character has been canceled after his Florida battery arrest.
Ringside News obtained court documents showing Kaiser, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, is seeking permission to travel out of state and internationally while his misdemeanor battery case continues in Orange County, Florida. The filing makes it clear that Barthel’s legal team believes travel is directly tied to his ability to keep working as a WWE performer. The motion states that Barthel’s job depends on being able to travel for WWE events in the United States and overseas.
“Mr. Barthel is an international performer who is required to travel throughout the United States and around the world to remain employed.”
The filing also confirms Barthel’s primary residence is the downtown Orlando apartment complex where the alleged incident tied to the case took place.
Ringside News previously obtained court records showing Barthel turned himself in on May 20 after learning an active arrest warrant had been issued against him. He was later released after posting $1,000 bond.
The case stems from an alleged April 23 incident at the Paramount on Lake Eola Apartments in Orlando. Investigators previously stated probable cause was established after witness statements, visible injuries, surveillance footage, and a photo lineup identification. Barthel has since entered a written plea of not guilty while his legal team also filed discovery motions seeking access to evidence tied to the investigation.
Now, the situation has also affected an AAA appearance. Lucha Libre AAA is moving toward its Noches de Los Grandes event on May 30, which is set to feature a Mask versus Mask match between El Grande Americano, played by Ludwig Kaiser, and the Original El Grande Americano, played by Chad Gable.
Barthel had been scheduled for a special AAA appearance on May 21 in Mexico City for a “Serenata for El Grande Americano” event. However, AAA announced that the event was canceled. AAA also added a brief message to fans after pulling the event.
“The ‘Serenata for El Grande Americano’ event scheduled for tonight in Mexico City has been canceled.”
“We appreciate your understanding.”
While AAA did not give a specific reason for the cancellation, the timing makes it very likely the event was called off because Barthel could not travel amid the active Florida case and his pending request for permission to travel out of state and internationally.
The cancellation comes one day after Barthel’s arrest became public, putting more attention on whether his current travel restrictions could interfere with WWE and AAA-related commitments. WWE talent are regularly required to travel for television tapings, premium live events, media appearances, and international shows, which is exactly what Barthel’s legal team is now arguing in court.
Kaiser has remained active on WWE programming under the masked El Grande Americano character while the legal process continues. WWE has not publicly commented on the situation as of this writing.
With Barthel’s legal team now asking the court to allow domestic and international travel, the next major question is whether the judge grants that request — and whether WWE or AAA makes any further changes to his schedule while the case moves forward.
What do you think about Ludwig Kaiser’s AAA appearance being canceled after his Florida battery arrest became public? Do you think WWE should keep him on television while the case plays out, or pull him from the storyline for now? Let us know in the comments.
