Before Walter Johnson became the face of “Tendernism,” he was surviving things that could have taken him out for good.

The viral pitmaster, better known as Mr. Tendernism or Unc, recently appeared on Willie D Live Conversations, where he was asked about the most formative experience of his life. Johnson pointed to being shot and stabbed “six different times”. When asked what the circumstances were, he explained it was “some people trying to rob him,” but it had made him into the man he is today.

When asked what happened to the people involved, he stated simply, “I haven’t seen them since.”

This interview takes place when Johnson is already in the middle of a major new chapter. Earlier this month, the former viral pitmaster from Destination Smokehouse confirmed he is no longer with the restaurant following their public fallout over the signature ‘Tendernism’ name. In a separate video shared online, Johnson appeared with trademark attorney Kenneth Harris and announced that the ‘Tendernism’ trademark is now officially his, thanking supporters who stuck with him through the drama.

Johnson first went viral in 2025 for his “tendernism” bit, with fans quickly treating him as the face of Destination Smokehouse as creators like Jordan Thee Stallion and Keith Lee helped amplify the buzz.

But behind the scenes, the phrase became the center of a trademark dispute involving the restaurant’s business entity and Harris, whose filing became part of the wider controversy. Johnson later confirmed he was moving on, saying, “I had to go on my own…”

Since then, he has already started building outside the restaurant, with fans spotting him doing private and celebrity catering work, including cooking for Ronald Isley.

So while Walter Johnson may be known for the grill, this latest interview is a reminder that there is a lot more that meets the eye to the internet’s favorite grill uncle!