Wrestler Invokes Stand Your Ground Defense
WWE performer Marcel Barthel, known on-screen as Ludwig Kaiser, is seeking the dismissal of a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from a May incident in Florida. His legal team is invoking the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law, arguing the wrestler used proportional, non-deadly force to protect himself and his partner during an encounter in an elevator.
The Defense Strategy Under Florida Statute
Barthel’s defense team filed a motion to dismiss the battery charge by citing Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” statute, according to reporting by F4WOnline. Under this law, an individual is justified in using force—up to and including deadly force, if necessary—if they have a reasonable belief that such action is required to prevent imminent unlawful force or great bodily harm to themselves or others. The defense maintains that the physical contact initiated by Barthel was a necessary defensive measure rather than an unprovoked attack.
Conflicting Narratives of the May Altercation
The legal proceedings center on a confrontation between the wrestler, his partner—AAA performer Andrea Bazarte—and a third party, Richard Reap.
According to police reports cited by F4WOnline, Reap alleged that he encountered Barthel and Bazarte in an elevator, where he claimed they were “aggressively kissing.” Reap stated he requested they “have some manners,” which he claims prompted an attack by the wrestler.
Barthel’s account, as presented in court documents, describes a different interaction. He stated that he and Bazarte were hugging when Reap began cursing at them and demanded they “have some respect.” Barthel alleges that Reap escalated the situation by telling him to have respect “before he called ICE on that b****,” a derogatory reference to Bazarte.
Claims of Escalation and Physical Contact
Barthel claims he did not initiate physical violence but pushed Reap away as he approached them. Furthermore, the defense asserts that Reap threw a soda bottle at the couple, and that Barthel’s actions remained within the bounds of non-deadly self-defense.
Status of Pending Misdemeanor Charges
The motion to dismiss is currently pending ahead of a scheduled pre-trial conference. Barthel’s legal representatives are arguing that because the force used was justified under the law, the criminal prosecution should be discontinued. As of now, the case remains an active misdemeanor matter within the Florida court system. Barthel continues to perform under the name Ludwig Kaiser in WWE and as El Grande Americano in AAA, though the legal proceedings have become a focal point of his recent off-screen activity.
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