Ludwig Kaiser Motion To Dismiss Battery Case Denied

A judge denied a motion to dismiss the battery case against WWE performer Ludwig Kaiser. The hearing on the motion took place on October 19 and court records show it was denied. A pre-trial conference is set for December 17 2026 to determine whether the case will proceed to trial or reach a resolution.

Kaiser's defense sought dismissal under Florida's Stand Your Ground law. The argument claimed he used necessary force to protect himself and his girlfriend from imminent unlawful force by the alleged victim Richard Reap. The incident occurred in April at an Orlando apartment complex where both men lived.

Both parties agree that Kaiser and his girlfriend were being affectionate in an elevator. Their accounts diverge afterward with Reap stating he asked the couple to have manners before Kaiser attacked him. Kaiser claims Reap swore at them and made a racist remark about calling ICE on his girlfriend.

Kaiser acknowledges pushing Reap after Reap moved toward him aggressively. According to Kaiser he did not retaliate when Reap threw a soft drink bottle at him and instead left the area with his girlfriend. Police reports indicate surveillance video showed Kaiser punching and pushing Reap and that Reap had a visible scratch on his head.

The state entered a CD and four photos into evidence believed to be elevator surveillance footage and images of Reap's injuries. Reap has retained a personal injury attorney which may signal plans for a civil suit against Kaiser.