Ludwig Kaiser’s motion to dismiss a battery case was denied by a Florida court on Monday, Oct. 19. According to Fightful, the case will continue following the hearing held in Orlando.
On the court’s official docket, the case is listed under Kaiser’s real name, Marcel Barthel, with case number 2026-MM-403782-A-O, before Judge Andrew L. Cameron. Ringside News revealed that Kaiser testified as a defense witness, while Richard Reap testified for the prosecution.
In addition, the court received a CD and four photographs submitted by the prosecution. The hearing records, however, do not detail the contents of those materials.
Kaiser was trying to end the case based on the Stand Your Ground law, which allows the use of force in certain self-defense situations. In the motion, Kaiser argued that he needed to protect himself and his girlfriend, Andrea Bazarte, from a threat by Reap.
The case began after an argument at a residential building in Orlando in April. Reap accuses Kaiser of attacking him, while the defense says that Reap threatened the couple. Kaiser was arrested in May and pleaded not guilty.
As reported by F4WOnline, Reap began being represented by attorney Bruce A. Mount Jr. in October. On Monday, the defense also included Bazarte on a list of potential witnesses, although the hearing records name only Kaiser and Reap among those who testified.
Despite the case, Kaiser continues to appear on WWE programming as El Grande Americano. The court had already authorized him to travel within and outside the United States, with the requirement that he attend hearings in person.
Now, another pretrial conference is scheduled for Dec. 17. Monday’s decision does not constitute a conviction of Kaiser, but keeps the charge pending.