11 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Double Or Nothing 2022
10. Hookhausen vs. Tony Nese & 'Smart' Mark Sterling
Fine pre-show fodder on paper and in execution, the Buy In's sole bout delivered as a crowd-popping good time featuring two cult heroes overcoming just enough control from their goober opponents before sending the fans into the main card happy.
Hook and Danhausen both received tremendous receptions en route to beating up Nese and Sterling. The latter, dressed like a giant silver and yellow condom, was particularly gooberish in his losing role. A loud, animated character with no redeeming traits, he understands his assignment perfectly, whether that meant shouting at the referee to "get. control" after a Hook takedown of Nese or selling the curse in the most wonderfully over the top way.
Danhausen's early flourishes were snuffed out by Nese to big jeers. Sterling only tagged in when he felt completely secure during the ensuing heat segment. When Nese slapped his reluctant hand while Hook was in there, Mark looked like he wanted the ring to swallow him alive. Moments later, he was finished off by a Hook throw, then Dahnausen planting a boot on his chest, pointing skyward, and scoring the pin.
A good, fun workout for two huge fan favourites, with Nese doing a typically excellent job with two younger, less experienced opponents.