UMVA has learned that Ludwig Kaiser, a wrestling star also known as Marcel Barthel, has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanour battery charge, casting a shadow over his highly anticipated match at AAA Noche de los Grande on May 30.
The 35-year-old wrestler, who portrays El Grande Americano on TV, was arrested on May 20 and charged with battery after an incident in his Orlando apartment block. According to court documents, Barthel allegedly punched and pushed another male resident to the ground, and made threats of additional violence.
The alleged incident occurred in April 2026, when the man asked Barthel and his partner to 'have some manners' after they started 'acting in an uncontrollably intimate manner'. The situation quickly escalated, leading to the physical altercation.
Barthel's attorney has filed a motion requesting a trial, and his client has expressed 'intent to participate in discovery' regarding the allegation. In a separate motion filed on May 21, Barthel requested permission to travel 'throughout the United States and around the world' for work purposes.
The motion notes that Barthel has 'no prior criminal history anywhere in the world and is not a danger to others', and that he 'maintains his innocence' in the matter. He was released from the Orange County Jail after posting a $1,000 bond.
The upcoming match between El Grande Americano (Barthel) and Original El Grande Americano (Chad Gable) has garnered significant attention, with the loser set to unmask in a bitter grudge match. The feud between the two has been intense, with other wrestlers getting involved in the storyline rivalry.
As El Grande Americano, Barthel has become a fan favourite in Mexico as part of WWE's Lucha Libre AAA brand. His character took over the Americano mask and persona after Chad Gable suffered an injury last summer.
The incident and charges have raised questions about the future of the match and Barthel's career. However, neither WWE nor the wrestler have made a public statement on the arrest or charges.
