WWE star Ludwig Kaiser, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, has been arrested on a battery charge in Florida, just days before one of the biggest matches of his career. The German brawler, who recently gained popularity performing as the masked luchador 'El Grande Americano,' was taken to Orange County Jail in Orlando on Wednesday afternoon following an alleged altercation at his apartment building.
Details of the Incident
According to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by Ringside News, the incident occurred on April 23 at the Paramount on Lake Eola Apartments in Orlando, which is home to the WWE's Performance Center. Police were called to the building around 6:30 p.m. after a man reported being battered on the 12th floor. The complainant claimed that a man and woman followed him into an elevator and began kissing in an 'uncontrollably intimate' manner. When he asked the man to 'please have some manners,' he was allegedly punched multiple times, pushed to the floor, and threatened.
The police officer noted that the complainant had a 'visible injury' on the back of his head. The victim identified his attacker using a photo lineup, which was cross-referenced with surveillance footage from the elevator. Barthel, 35, was held on a $1,000 bond before being released shortly after, according to his booking record. He has since pleaded not guilty and requested a trial, as per a court filing.
Upcoming High-Profile Match
The arrest comes as Barthel prepares for his highly-anticipated 'Mask vs Mask' luchador match on May 30, where he will face his rival, the original 'El Grande Americano,' Chad Gable. Gable sustained a rotator cuff injury in June 2025 before making a comeback at the Royal Rumble in January to set up the centerpiece of the 'Noche de los Grande' event in Monterrey, Mexico.
Barthel's Wrestling Career
Barthel has been with WWE since 2017, having built a reputation in Europe. His WWE profile states that he is the son of wrestling legend Axel Dieter, started in amateur boxing, and switched to wrestling in 2007. 'Kaiser has since proven to be a true mat magician, as well as a no-nonsense competitor,' the profile reads. 'With the posture of a steel pole and a facial expression that rarely deviates from the stern setting, Kaiser is practically unflappable – though on the rare occasion that he does lose his cool, he’s quick to let his opponents know by defiantly screaming “nein” in their face.'
