WWE star Ludwig Kaiser arrested on battery charges in Florida

May 21, 2026 - 12:45

Tragedy has struck as WWE Superstar Ludwig Kaiser was recently arrested in Florida. Kaiser, also known as El Grande Americano across both WWE and Mexican wrestling promotion AAA, found himself arrested on battery charges.

Kaiser, real name Marcel Barthel, was reportedly arrested today, May 20, 2026, on charges of battery in Orange County, Florida. In an update shared on the Recently Booked website, the records of Barthel’s arrest were publicly displayed. As per the records, he was booked in Orange County, Florida, on May. 20, 2026, at 2:37 PM in the afternoon. Later, PWInsider confirmed through their report that Barthel was bonded out of Orange County Corrections on a $1000 bail. The reports of the bail are currently also available on the Recently Booked website.

Shortly after the entire situation became public, fans began speculating about the potential reasons behind his battery charge and arrest. Some even suggested domestic battery charges. However, the rumors were dismissed by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful when he reported that Barthel was arrested after an altercation with another male.

“The arrest is accurate. We’re told the battery charge was against a male after an altercation. Not a domestic situation as some are speculating,” Sean Ross Sapp wrote on social media. As of this writing, no more information is available on Kaiser/Barthel’s arrest.

Currently playing the gimmick of El Grande Americano, Kaiser is set to challenge the OG El Grande Americano in a mask vs. mask match at Noche de Los Grandes 2026. Kaiser was previously known for his run with Gunther on NXT and the WWE main roster as a part of The Imperium.

Ludwig Kaiser (real name Marcel Barthel) was arrested today for battery in Orange County, FL.
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— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) May 21, 2026