ORLANDO, Fla. – A WWE wrestler, known for his in-ring prowess, now faces legal troubles as he stands accused of throwing punches outside the squared circle. The incident occurred in downtown Orlando, where police allege the wrestler engaged in an altercation with a man outside an elevator at a local apartment complex.
The individual in question is Ludwig Kaiser, who wrestles under the moniker El Grande Americano. Identified by authorities as 35-year-old Marcel Barthel, he was apprehended on Wednesday. The arrest stems from accusations that he attacked a neighbor within the confines of an apartment building situated on East Pine Street.
Details from the police report paint a vivid picture of the altercation’s origins. It reportedly began inside an elevator, where the victim observed Barthel and a female companion engaged in what he described as “uncontrollably intimate” kissing. Upon the elevator’s arrival at the 12th floor, the victim claims to have requested that the pair “please have some manners.” This plea, however, allegedly provoked Barthel, who is said to have responded with a series of punches to the victim’s face, ultimately knocking him to the ground.
Kevin, a resident of the building and a WWE enthusiast, expressed his disbelief at the unfolding drama. “You never really hear about something like that happening at an apartment complex in general,” he remarked, highlighting the unexpected nature of the incident.
Officers arrived on the scene around 6:30 p.m., discovering the victim bearing a scratch and redness on the back of his head, injuries that appeared consistent with a recent altercation. Kevin further noted the shock surrounding the allegations, especially considering Barthel’s prominent public persona.
Police say officers arrived around 6:30 p.m. and found the victim with a scratch and redness on the back of his head that appeared consistent with a recent fight. Kevin said the allegations were shocking given Barthel’s profile.
“Hearing about someone like that — a known person around here who’s been on Netflix and wrestling shows — that’s a little surprising,” he said.
Police say Barthel turned himself in Wednesday. Records show he posted a $1,000 bond and listed his address as the same apartment complex where the incident happened. Court records show he pleaded not guilty, and his attorney filed a motion asking a judge to allow him to travel for work. The filing says he was in Mexico when he learned there was a warrant for his arrest.
