...a lot of dumping on the Captain.
I've seen enough students 'fight' the pusher under sim training so without correction or remedial support from the instructor, I can see how this reaction fit the scenario. Pulling as a response, if you like. I'd suggest this guy was one of many who would 'pull' as opposed to 'push' in response to a surprise like the pusher activation.
If the guy hadn't pulled in response to the SHAKER, he never would have got the pusher in the 1st place.
I'm not convinced there ever was an imminent stall condition until the captain induced one.