Ludwig Kaiser's defense team requests the video of the alleged altercation in Orlando

Marcel Barthel, better known as Ludwig Kaiser in WWE (and the man behind the mask of El Grande Americano), was arrested on May 20 in the state of Florida for alleged assault. The accuser (Richard Reap) claimed that the German wrestler had repeatedly hit him after a tense encounter inside an elevator.

These statements were backed by surveillance camera recordings that presumably show a man pushing Reap. Today, Barthel's defense has filed a motion to obtain access to these images. This motion, which the prosecution does not oppose, requests the court to authorize the issuance of a subpoena to obtain said images.

"Mr. Barthel was arrested and charged with assault following an incident at an apartment complex in Orlando, Florida, around April 23, 2026. The alleged incident took place outside the elevator, on the 12th floor of the apartment complex. According to the defense's information and belief, the event was recorded by surveillance cameras monitored and stored by the residential complex.

The signing attorney contacted the general manager of the apartment complex, who stated that the images could not be provided without a subpoena.

Mr. Barthel needs a copy of the recording, which should show the alleged incident, to properly prepare his defense.

The signing attorney contacted State Assistant Prosecutor Shaylynne Kotch, who indicated that the Prosecution does not oppose this motion.

THEREFORE, the defendant respectfully requests that the Court issue an order authorizing the issuance of a subpoena (Subpoena Duces Tecum) directed at the apartment complex, requiring the delivery of all surveillance recordings related to the exterior area of the elevator on the 12th floor of the complex, corresponding to April 23, 2026, or nearby dates, around 6:30 p.m.," wrote Barthel's lawyer.

Despite all the noise generated by this incident, WWE decided not to punish Barthel, especially after rumors spread that the German wrestler was only defending his current partner, Andrea Bazarte, who allegedly received xenophobic comments from Reap. In any case, we will have to wait for further updates to learn more details about what happened that night.