Marcel Barthel aka WWE star Ludwig Kaiser, who currently performs under a mask as El Grande Americano was arrested earlier today in Florida, PWInsider.com has learned.
Barthel was arrested on charges of battery. We are still working on the details of the incident, which took place this afternoon.
We are told it was not a domestic incident and can confirm Barthel was bonded out of Orange County Corrections in Orlando on $1,000 bail at 11:20 PM Eastern this evening.
We have reached out to WWE for comment.
A arrest affidavit filed in Orange County, Florida reveals details behind the battery charge against Marcel Barthel aka WWE star Ludwig Kaiser and El Grande Americano
According to the affidavit, Orlando Police responded to an apartment complex (we are not publishing the address) at approximately 6:37 PM on 4/23 following reports of a physical altercation on the 12th floor of the building.
The complainant, identified as Richard Reap, told officers that he entered an elevator around 6:30 PM and encountered Barthel alongside an unidentified woman. Reap alleged that the pair were acting in what he described as an “uncontrollably intimate” manner while inside the elevator.
Reap stated that after exiting onto the 12th floor, he told the couple to “please have some manners.” According to the affidavit, Reap alleged that Barthel immediately responded by punching him multiple times, pushing him to the ground, and threatening additional violence.
The responding officer noted observing a fresh scratch and redness on the back of Reap’s head, which police stated was consistent with a recent altercation.
The affidavit stated that responding officers also reviewed surveillance footage from the 12th floor, with that video allegedly showing a white male punching and pushing Reap outside the elevator at the reported time of the incident. The footage has not been released.
Police later identified Marcel Barthel as the suspect through investigative means. The affidavit states that Reap subsequently identified Barthel in a six-person photographic lineup conducted later that evening.
Based on the investigation, officers determined probable cause existed for a simple battery charge under Florida Statute 784.03(1)(A). The warrant notes there were no allegations involving weapons, firearms, intoxication, or shared residency between the parties involved.
Barthel turned himself in yesterday after a warrant had been issued.
Barthel was reportedly ordered to have no contact with victims or witnesses and was granted one supervised return to the apartment accompanied by law enforcement.
WWE has not yet commented on the arrest.
