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 hit him repeatedly after a tense encounter inside an elevator.
These statements were supported by footage from a surveillance camera, which apparently shows a man pushing Reap. Despite the controversy surrounding the incident, WWE decided not to sanction Barthel. This decision came amid rumors that the German wrestler had acted to defend his partner, Andrea Bazarte, who allegedly had been subjected to xenophobic comments by Reap.
Almost five months later, Barthel continues to battle in court to put an end to this story. However, this matter seems far from over. The wrestler's request to dismiss the assault case he faces has been denied in the hearing that took place today.
Barthel's defense requested the dismissal of the misdemeanor assault charge under Florida's law known as Stand Your Ground. The defense argued that Barthel was justified in using the force he did against the alleged victim, as he reasonably believed it was necessary to protect himself and his girlfriend, Andre Bazarte, from an "imminent use of unlawful force."
Barthel continues to appear on WWE's television programming, especially on AAA shows, where he has become one of the biggest phenomena in recent years. The wrestler will defend the promotion's Megachampionship next weekend at Héroes Inmortales. On the other hand, the pre-trial hearing is scheduled for December 17.
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