A new motion has been filed in the battery case against WWE’s Ludwig Kaiser as both sides prepare for a pre-trial conference next month.
On June 16, attorneys for Kaiser, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, filed a motion seeking access to surveillance video of the alleged incident for which he is charged. According to the filing, the defense contacted the Orlando apartment complex where the incident took place, but was told the footage could not be released without a subpoena. The motion, which the state does not oppose, asks the court to authorize a subpoena directing the complex to turn over the relevant video.
The filing states that the footage would show the area outside the 12th-floor elevator on or about April 23, at roughly 6:30 p.m., and that Barthel needs a copy of the recording to prepare a proper defense. The motion notes that the assistant state attorney handling the case indicated the state does not object.
Kaiser is facing a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from an April incident at the Orlando apartment building where he lives. According to the allegation, a fellow male resident asked Kaiser and a female companion to “please have some manners” after the pair were kissing in the elevator, which the resident says led to Kaiser attacking him and leaving a large scratch and redness on his head. Police identified Kaiser as the suspect after reviewing surveillance footage, and the alleged victim later picked him out of a photo lineup. Kaiser has pleaded not guilty, and his bond was posted by fellow WWE star Gunther.
The pre-trial conference is scheduled for July 16, when the prosecution and defense will work to determine whether the case heads to trial or is resolved through a plea agreement. The alleged victim appears to be considering a separate civil case, having retained an attorney specializing in civil litigation and personal injury.
Kaiser remains free to travel and continue his WWE work while the case proceeds. Following his win at AAA Noche de Los Grandes, where he competed as El Grande Americano, WWE is holding a charity auction for the mask he wore that night, with proceeds benefiting the Dr. Sonrisas Foundation, which supports Mexican children battling serious illnesses.