Many fans thought that Big Brother season 23 favorite Christian Birkenberger would be cast on either The Challenge: USA or The Challenge 38, but, now that his name does not appear on either cast list, Christian explained why he will not be competing on the shows. On Big Brother 23, Christian became a frontrunner when he won the first competition and was able to handpick his Kings team, one of four teams that started off the season in a surprise twist. He was immediately targeted by the first Head of Household (HOH), Brandon "Frenchie" French, but he earned his safety for the week when he won the first Wildcard Competition. Christian's physical prowess and incredible social game made him an ideal alliance member, and he became a part of the powerful Royal Flush alliance, which consisted of the Kings, Queens, and Derek Xiao from the Aces. He won a Head of Household competition and two vetoes for his alliance, but, even though they were aligned, Derek X began to see him as the biggest threat in the house.
When Derek X became the HOH the week after Christian, he took the opportunity to backdoor him from the Big Brother house because he was ineligible to play for the HOH and he did not get selected to play in the veto competition. It was one of the biggest betrayals of the season. Although Christian was only in the house for 37 days, he became a fan-favorite because of his competitive spirit, sweet and fun personality, and short-lived showmance with Alyssa Lopez. His curly hair earned him the nickname Goldendoodle.
As the cast of The Challenge: USA and the rumored cast of The Challenge 38 have been announced, Christian explained why his name was not on either list, since fans were expecting him to be cast. Fans were especially disappointed not to see Christian on The Challenge: USA roster since six of his fellow Big Brother 23 houseguests will appear, including Azäh Awasum, Alyssa Lopez, Tiffany Mitchell, Kyland Young, Derek Xiao, and winner Xavier Prather. In a series of tweets, Christian explained that his absence was not his choice, writing, "After today's CBS Challenge cast reveal I received many questions asking why I didn’t do it… to answer everyone at once it’s easier to inform you this way that I was considered for both @CBS & @MTV Challenges and would’ve loved to compete if selected…" Christian added, "However, I don’t have a say in the casting process and tried my hardest to make the cut!" He told his fans who look forward to seeing him on future seasons of The Challenge that he appreciates their support, and he promised not to disappoint "when the opportunity presents itself!"
Big Brother houseguest Christian then looked forward to the future, hoping that he will some day have the chance to compete on The Challenge. He wrote, "Remember everything happens for a reason, my time will come eventually! I always appreciate the support from all you goldendoodles. In the meantime, I look forward to the release of new projects & opportunities while on the path to achieving my dreams!" Christian then went on to emphasize that he holds no ill will toward anyone for the slight, saying, "I hope nobody takes what I said as bitterness or a diss to the cast of either networks show. I’m excited to watch and take notes from these selected competitors. I look forward to supporting everyone this season and kicking their asses next one! Best of luck to everyone!"
Christian has always had a positive outlook which is one of the reasons that he is so loved by Big Brother fans. He deserves a second chance to show the world what he can do. Christian seems like the ideal competitor for The Challenge shows, so perhaps some day he will have a chance to shine on a future season.
Source: Christian Birkenberger/Twitter