Salem is no stranger to drama, but even this iconic town isn’t prepared for what’s coming. Gwen Rizczeck, the ever-enigmatic troublemaker portrayed by Emily O’Brien, is set to make a jaw-dropping return on July 7th—dragging with her a tsunami of deception, betrayal, and secrets that threaten to unravel everything. But this time, Gwen isn’t just back for revenge or unfinished business. No, this return signals a more dangerous chapter—one that could leave Salem forever changed.

Gwen’s Twisted Comeback: Deception Reborn

Gone is the slightly scattered schemer of the past. Gwen’s reemergence marks the arrival of a woman reborn—with more cunning, fewer weaknesses, and a mission straight from the underbelly of the DiMera empire. Insiders reveal she’s working under the watchful eye of EJ DiMera, whose thirst for power knows no bounds. To EJ, Gwen is not a liability—but an asset too dangerous for his enemies to ignore.

Her first task? Sabotage the ever-determined Steve Johnson. Uncle Steve has been poking into secrets the DiMeras want buried, and Gwen is the perfect shadow to misdirect, manipulate, or even destroy his efforts. Her mastery of disguise, emotional blackmail, and manipulation makes her a ticking time bomb in a town already on edge.

Matters of the Heart: Xander and the Ghosts of Love

But it’s not all business for Gwen. Emotions she thought she buried resurface when she crosses paths with Xander Kiriakis (Paul Telfer). Their former romance—equal parts passion and poison—still simmers just beneath the surface. Will she use Xander as a pawn in her game, or will old feelings compromise her ruthless mission? Speculation swirls: is Gwen manipulating Xander out of strategy… or something far more dangerous—love?

A New Target Emerges: Chad DiMera in the Crosshairs

While Gwen plays her long game, another twist lies ahead. Chad DiMera, long at the heart of the DiMera family’s internal power plays, finds himself entangled in Gwen’s dark web. With actor Billy Flynn departing and Connor Floyd stepping in, the transition offers Gwen a golden opportunity to stir the pot. Her manipulations could reshape the DiMera legacy and challenge Chad’s future in ways he never imagined.

Even more troubling is her quiet war against Carrie Yman and Derek Yates. Carrie, long known for her sharp intellect, might finally meet her match in Gwen. If Gwen uncovers the wrong secret—or the right one—Carrie’s carefully guarded world could implode.

Hidden Motives: Is Gwen Playing Everyone?

But the real question remains—who is Gwen really loyal to? While she may appear to be working for EJ, long-time fans know Gwen never plays a one-sided game. Could she be gathering ammunition to use against the DiMeras themselves? Is she carving her own path to power? Don’t be fooled—Gwen is a master strategist. Her motives are layered, complex, and entirely unpredictable.

One thing is certain: as her presence grows, alliances will fracture, and chaos will consume the streets of Salem.

Innocence in Danger: The Kidnapping That Shocks Salem

As Gwen pulls strings behind the scenes, a more immediate danger surfaces elsewhere—one that puts innocent lives on the line. Arianna Horton and Holly Jonas set out on what was meant to be a carefree lake getaway. But beneath the surface of their excitement lies a horrifying truth: Doug Williams III’s dealings with loan sharks have placed them directly in harm’s way. What begins as a day of adventure soon spirals into a harrowing kidnapping, sending Salem’s families into a frenzy of grief and fear.

The town’s unity is tested as parents band together, desperate for answers. And as the clock ticks, it’s clear: the stakes have never been higher.

Secrets, Lies, and the Weight of Parenthood

Meanwhile, young Tate Black finds himself at the heart of another gut-wrenching emotional twist. Believing Sophia Choi is pregnant, Tate wrestles with responsibility and guilt. But the truth is far darker—Sophia has already given birth in secret and handed the child over to Javi Hernandez and Leo Stark.

Manipulated by Melinda Trask, Sophia’s lie explodes when Tate is told the baby was a girl who was immediately given up for adoption. Heartbroken and blindsided, Tate’s emotional spiral may just be beginning.

In contrast, Javi and Leo find themselves unexpectedly blossoming into devoted father figures. Their bond with the baby, whom they lovingly name “Toro,” sparks whispers of adoption and fresh starts. Amidst the tragedy and deception, their storyline offers a rare sliver of hope and tenderness—one that may endure as chaos reigns.

Explosive Family Confrontation: Xander and Maggie Collide

Back at the Kiriakis mansion, Xander’s emotional world takes another hit. Hoping to reconnect with his daughter Victoria, Xander shows up bearing a thoughtful gift—a stuffed toy dog. But his good intentions are met with Maggie Horton’s icy resistance. Revealing that Victoria is now terrified of dogs, Maggie refuses to let Xander wake the sleeping child, igniting a raw and emotional confrontation.

Things come to a head when Maggie admits she supported Xander in court—despite his past—leaving both parties reeling with unresolved emotions and unspoken wounds. The path to reconciliation seems distant, as deep-rooted trust issues threaten any chance of healing.

Salem on the Brink: What Comes Next?

As all of Salem braces for impact, Gwen Rizczeck’s return is more than just a character comeback—it’s the start of a storm. From calculated plots and rekindled romances to shocking betrayals and emotional reckoning, her presence will leave no one untouched.

Viewers can expect a week packed with heartbreak, power plays, emotional twists, and a growing sense that something far worse still looms on the horizon.

Gwen has always been unpredictable—but this time, she’s unstoppable.