Struggles to rev over 1500rpm with TPS plugged in

Bought a 1993 4Runner and it does not like having the TPS plugged in. When plugged in, it will not rev over 1500rpms and there’s a popping noise coming from the MAF. I started chasing problems as it became nearly impossible to get the thing to start. I thought it was starving for fuel so I replaced the fuel pump. That helped the starting issues but it still does not like to start cold. I replaced the TPS and nothing improved. I replaced the MAF and nothing improved. I read somewhere that if it runs with the TPS unplugged it’s a problem with “forgot what it was”. I replaced a vacuum switch that was associated with the issues I’m having. Nothing has worked but unplugging the TPS. What does this mean is question number 1. Question number 2, can a plugged up CAT cause all aforementioned problems? It sounds choked out but I haven’t removed the muffler and CAT as of yet.
Thanks to all two centers

 

Did you buy it with this condition?

I had a problem with my '95 3VZ-E after I replaced the valve cover gaskets and adjusted the valve clearances. Car would start, then immediately die. Eventually, I could get it to run at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm, so I ruled out the fuel pump as the culprit. But the car was not drivable at all. Eventually, when I could not diagnose the problem, I tore everything apart and found 1) that I had not fully removed the old upper plenum gasket and 2) that the new upper plenum gasket had torn during installation. I had been in a rush, apparently, as I needed the car to get me to a race event. Took greater care the second time and the problem was fully cured. Seemed to be an air gasket leak after the throttle body.