A new legal filing has revealed WWE/AAA star Ludwig Kaiser’s (real name Marcel Barthel) side of the story regarding the April 23, 2026 incident that took place in an elevator at an Orlando, Florida apartment complex which later led to his battery arrest.
F4WOnline reports that in advance of a pre-trial conference which is scheduled for July 16, the defense has filed a motion attempting to get the battery case against Kaiser dismissed. The motion from Kaiser’s legal counsel cites Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law which allows an individual to use non-deadly force in a situation where they believe it would be necessary in a reasonable manner to protect themself or another individual against “imminent use of unlawful force.”
The alleged victim, identified as Richard Reap states Kaiser and a female, later identified as Kaiser’s girlfriend – WWE/AAA broadcaster Andrea Bazarte, were aggressively kissing in the elevator. Reap said he told the couple to “please have some manners,” which led to Kaiser to then attack him.
However, Kaiser’s version of events states he and Bazarte were only hugging in the elevator, in which Reap then began swearing at them while telling them to have some respect. When Kaiser asked Reap what he said, Reap allegedly told him (Kaiser) to “have some respect before I call ICE on that bitch.”
After the alleged comment, a confrontation began. However Kaiser states that he did not threaten or touch Reap until Reap “aggressively” raised his hands and got close to him. Kaiser then states he then pushed away Reap, but Reap came back two times to him (Kaiser), in a threatening manner. Kaiser further states he had pushed Reap, but did not retaliate when Reap threw a soft drink bottle at him. The confrontation then ended after that.
The filing argues Kaiser was justified in his action with using non-deadly force to protect himself and his girlfriend. The he defense is asking the court to grant Kaiser immunity from further criminal prosecution in the case. He is facing a misdemeanor charge of battery.
Below is the relevant text from the filing, also courtesy of F4WOnline:
- 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. 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.
- 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.
- 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. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
This past June, Kaiser’s defense was given access to surveillance footage of the incident, which should show which the correct set of events. The original arrest affidavit per local law enforcement, a police officer reviewed the footage and saw Kaiser push and punch Reap Police also stated they saw a “large, fresh scratch” on Reap’s head in person.
Kaiser has been allowed to travel freely at the present time. Kaiser could face a civil suit. Reap has obtained a personal injury and civil litigation attorney.