I’m not at sure it was theater. I think these guys did try a coup, and expected an uprising behind their effort. Meanwhile the old hag pulled out the thumbscrews and got the rest of the caucus in line. With no suport, the ostensible ringleaders folded quickly
That seems to be what happened. I expect though that Pelosi will announce her retirement well before the 2020 campaign season. That will protect the newbies clubbed into supporting her despite campaign promises to the contrary.