Ludwig Kaiser (El Grande Americano) Battery Arrest in Florida Update – New Motion Filed By Defense To Gain Access To Surveillance Video

As noted before, WWE and AAA talent Ludwig Kaiser, also known as El Grande Americano and real name Marcel Barthel, was arrested on charges of battery this past May following an altercation with a man in Orange County, Florida. This incident was caused after Kaiser and a female were allegedly acting “uncontrollably intimate” in an elevator and Kaiser attacked the man in retaliation after being allegedly told to “please have some manners.” Kaiser’s motion to be allowed to continue to travel for WWE both within the United States and internationally was approved this past May. Rumors of Kaiser attacking the man after he had made ICE comments directed at his significant other was believed to have been a planted story within WWE.

The Wrestling Observer’s Joseph Currier reported that Barthel’s attorneys filed a motion on Tuesday, June 16th requesting access to the surveillance video from the alleged battery incident.

In the filing, it was stated that Barthel’s defense team contacted the apartment complex where the incident took place but were told that the video could not be released without a subpoena.

This motion is asking the court to authorize the issuance of a subpoena for the footage for Barthel’s case.

Portion of motion filing:

Mr. Barthel was arrested and charged with Battery following an incident that occurred at the [Orlando, Florida apartment complex] on or about April 23, 2026.

The alleged incident took place outside of the elevator on the 12th floor of the apartment complex. Upon information and belief, the event was recorded by video surveillance monitored and stored by [the apartment complex].

Undersigned counsel contacted the General Manager of [the apartment complex] who indicated that the footage could not be released without a subpoena.

Mr. Barthel requires a copy of the recording, which should show the alleged incident, to prepare a proper defense.

Undersigned counsel contacted Assistant State Attorney Shaylynne Kotch who indicated that the State does not object to this motion.

WHEREFORE, the Defendant respectfully requests the Court enter an Order authorizing issuance of a Subpoena Duces Tecum to [the apartment complex] directing them to produce all related surveillance videos outside of the elevator on the 12th floor of the apartment complex on or about April 23, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m.