Ludwig Kaiser took an insulting gimmick like El Grande Americano from Chad Gable, transforming the faux-luchador into the most beloved character in Mexico. This past weekend, both El Grande Americanos clashed in a Mask vs. Mask match at Noches de Los Grandes in what many have described as the best WWE match in decades. Before the bloody match kicked off, the Monterrey crowd serenaded Ludwig Kaiser’s El Grande Americano with Cielito Lindo. Now, old footage of Ludwig Kaiser with Penta and Rey Fenix has gone viral. The future El Grande Americano was seen singing Cielito Lindo with his future WWE co-workers.
Ludwig Kaiser’s Serendipitous Journey to Becoming El Grande Americano
For years, Ludwig Kaiser was seen as the mouthpiece and goon for Gunther. The two are long-time friends, wrestling together in Europe, and coming to the States to form Imperium.
Shortly after WWE fired Giovanni Vicci, Gunther broke away from Ludwig Kaiser. The former boyfriend of Tiffany Stratton stayed in wrestling purgatory, barely being used.
During this time, Chad Gable started the controversial El Grande Americano gimmick. The American-made superstar made a farce of Lucha Libre, even creating videos of a fake history as the greatest Mexican wrestler of all time. Chad Gable would deny being the man under the mask, going as far as to have other men don the mask during Americano’s matches. One of those men would be Ludwig Kaiser.
Ludwig Kaiser Becomes Primary El Grande Americano
Unfortunately, Chad Gable suffered a rotator cuff tear. Ludwig Kaiser would assume the role of El Grande Americano, recruiting Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne as Rayo and Bravo Americano.
At first, Ludwig Kaiser’s portrayal came off as a further spoof. However, things changed along the way. Behind the scenes, Ludwig Kaiser started dating AAA announcer, Andrea Bazarte. The German wrestler who was portraying an American pretending to be a Mexican won over the Mexican crowd. He started speaking fluently in Spanish, embracing Mexican culture.
When Chad Gable returned as the Original El Grande Americano at this year’s Royal Rumble, the battle of the Americanos began. With Chad Gable, he had Julius and Brutus Creed put on masks as Bruto Credo and Julio Credo. The fans were firmly on the side of Ludwig Kaiser’s Americano.
Ludwig Kaiser’s Arrest
Leading into this Mask vs. Mask Match, WWE planned a Serenata Para: El Grande Americano event in Mexico City. Thousands of fans were ready to show their love for Kaiser. However, shockwaves hit as Ludwig Kaiser was arrested in Florida.
The man behind the El Grande Americano mask had to leave Mexico to return home to Orlando. Ludwig Kaiser was accused of battery in his home complex. According to the alleged victim, Richard Reep, Kaiser and Andrea Bazarte were “aggressively” making out. When Reep was leaving the elevator, he claimed to tell the pair to have “manners.” Reep’s report indicated that Kaiser punched and battered him. Police reports did confirm fresh cuts on the alleged victim.
Since then, it’s been reported that the Reep threatened to call ICE on Andrea Bazarte. This comment supposedly prompted Kaiser to punch the fellow tenant in the face.
Nonetheless, WWE had to cancel the event for Americano in Mexico City. However, Gunther posted Kaiser’s bail. With no previous arrest history, he was granted permission to travel for work.
WWE rescheduled the Serenata Para: El Grande Americano. The arrest made him an even bigger star. An emotional El Grande Americano sang along with the crowd, including Cielito Lindo. Now, old footage of Ludwig Kaiser singing Cielito Lindo from six years ago has gone viral!
Old Footage of Ludwig Kaiser Singing Cielito Lindo
Mexican fans have lovingly started to call El Grande Americano a hometown hero. This story has evolved into a saying around AAA fans that “You don’t need to be Mexican to be a Mexican.”
While Ludwig Kaiser’s love for Mexican culture may seem sudden, it’s actually been a long time coming. Old footage of Ludwig Kaiser has surfaced. At the time, Kaiser was wrestling under his real name, Marcel Barthel.
Marcel Barthel was in a locker room with future WWE Superstars, Penta and Rey Fenix. The trio was singing Ludwig Kaiser’s favorite Mexican anthem.
See old footage of Ludwig Kaiser singing Cielito Lindo:
Old Footage of Ludwig Kaiser, Penta, and Rey Fenix