ORLANDO, Fla. – A WWE wrestler known for his in-ring prowess now finds himself in trouble outside the squared circle. The wrestler, identified by police, is accused of a physical altercation in downtown Orlando and currently faces a battery charge.
The individual in question is Ludwig Kaiser, who performs under the alias El Grande Americano for WWE. Authorities in Orlando report that the 35-year-old, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, was taken into custody on Wednesday following an alleged assault on a neighbor at an apartment complex located on East Pine Street.
Details from the police report indicate that the confrontation began inside an elevator. The victim recounted that Barthel and a woman entered while engaging in what he described as “uncontrollably intimate” behavior. Upon reaching the 12th floor, the victim requested that they “please have some manners,” which reportedly led Barthel to respond with several punches to the victim’s face, ultimately causing him to fall.
Kevin, a resident of the building and a WWE enthusiast, expressed his disbelief over the incident.
“It’s quite shocking to hear about something like this happening in an apartment complex,” he remarked.
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.
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