Ludwig Kaiser battery case proceeds after judge denies motion to dismiss

A Florida judge has denied a motion to dismiss a misdemeanor battery charge against WWE Superstar Ludwig Kaiser, also known as Marcel Barthel. The ruling follows a hearing held on October 19 in Orlando regarding Kaiser’s attempt to have the case dismissed under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law.

The legal dispute stems from an April confrontation at an Orlando apartment complex involving Kaiser and Richard Reap. Reap alleges that Kaiser physically attacked him after Reap asked the couple to “please have some manners.” Kaiser’s defense maintains that he acted in self-defense to protect himself and his girlfriend, Andrea Martinez Bazarte, from what he described as aggressive behavior and racist remarks.

During the hearing, both Kaiser and Reap provided testimony. The prosecution also introduced evidence, including a CD and four photographs. A pre-trial conference has been scheduled for December 17, 2026, to determine if the case will proceed to trial or reach a resolution.