Salem is no stranger to chaos, but Gwen Rizczech’s sudden reappearance is about to blow the town wide open. When Gwen (Emily O’Brien) strolls back into Salem, she’s not just carrying baggage — she’s bringing a storm, and this time, she may not be alone. Whispers are swirling about a secret alliance with none other than the formidable Vivian Alamain (Louise Sorel), and the implications are massive.

Gwen’s Dramatic Return – A Woman on a Mission

Last seen boarding a private jet out of Salem in October 2023, Gwen left in the wake of heartbreak and betrayal. After discovering her new husband, Dimitri von Leuschner, was having a secret affair with her former best friend Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart), Gwen didn’t just walk away — she fled with vengeance in her heart and a blank check from Dimitri’s account in her hand. Her destination? Alamainia. Her goal? Claim Dimitri’s inheritance and rewrite her destiny.

Now she’s back. And she isn’t just returning for closure — she’s here to unleash hell.

Vivian & Gwen: An Explosive Alliance

Rumors are exploding across Salem about Gwen’s possible partnership with Vivian, who also has deep ties to Alamainia. Vivian, known for her cutthroat tactics and venomous vendettas, was last seen orchestrating the kidnapping of her son, Stefan DiMera (Brandon Barash), even forging divorce papers to end his marriage to Gabi Hernandez (Camila Banus). Could Gwen have crossed paths with Vivian while in Alamainia? Could they now be united in their shared thirst for revenge?

Gwen, potentially now a wealthy woman, may have formed a pact with Vivian to settle old scores — particularly against the Kiriakis family. And if so, Salem better brace itself for a war unlike anything it’s seen before.

Revenge, Riches, and Ruin

Gwen’s return sparks immediate speculation. She’s spotted wearing the stolen Horton family diamonds — a priceless heirloom with a dark past. The moment Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes) sees Gwen flaunting her family’s legacy, alarm bells ring. How did Gwen get them? And why is she wearing them so publicly? This act alone ignites fury and foreshadows bigger schemes in motion.

But that’s just the beginning. Gwen bumps into Leo at Horton Square — now pushing a baby stroller — and their reunion is tense and electric. Old wounds surface, betrayals hang thick in the air, and Gwen wastes no time reminding everyone that she’s still a force to be reckoned with.

Xander’s Past Comes Roaring Back

Perhaps the most shocking moment? Gwen kisses Xander Cook (Paul Telfer) — her former flame and one-time co-conspirator. The timing couldn’t be worse. Xander is reeling from a breakup with Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey), and is in the midst of a custody battle for their daughter, Victoria. Gwen’s reentry threatens to throw his life into complete disarray. Is the kiss a rekindling of old love… or a calculated move in a deeper game?

A Wider Conspiracy: EJ, the ISA & Dirty Money

But Gwen’s web of secrets stretches far beyond revenge. She’s reportedly in cahoots with EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel), who recently acquired University Hospital under suspicious financial circumstances. The International Security Agency (ISA), led by Shane Donovan, is hot on the trail, suspecting money laundering or worse. ISA agents Cat Green and Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) have been tasked with uncovering the truth.

Gwen may be the key link. If she’s protecting the Alamain family’s investment or acting as EJ’s go-between, her role in this shadowy deal could trigger federal investigations — or a cover-up with deadly consequences. And Chad DiMera (Billy Flynn) is beginning to put the puzzle together, suspecting that Gwen may be hiding more than anyone realizes.

Vivian’s Longstanding Vendetta Against the Kiriakises

Vivian’s motives are never simple. Years ago, she manipulated Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier) into forging documents in an attempt to seize half of Xander’s inheritance. That plan collapsed when Kate Roberts (Lauren Koslow) tipped off the authorities. Philip refused to finish the job — eliminating Xander — and Vivian has never forgiven him.

Now, with Gwen at her side, Vivian might finally see her chance to bring down the Kiriakis family. And with Gwen’s axe to grind against Xander, the alliance makes twisted sense.

Johnny’s Trial, EJ’s Power Play & the DiMera Civil War

Elsewhere, the DiMera family is on the brink of collapse. Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) faces serious charges following a recent shooting incident. Despite Chanel (Raven Bowens) standing by him, the case looks bleak. EJ, ever the strategist, is trying to pin the crime on his own sister Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk), who’s conveniently set to be sent to prison later this summer.

Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) is wary of EJ’s manipulations and warns him that pushing too far might cost them not just Johnny’s freedom but the entire DiMera legacy. With tensions boiling inside DiMera Enterprises and Johnny’s trial looming, a family implosion seems imminent.

The Titan Power War: Xander vs. Philip 

Across town, Titan is also in crisis. With Victor Kiriakis gone and Justin out of the picture, the power vacuum has turned into an all-out war. Xander and Philip’s long-simmering rivalry finally explodes. What began as corporate disagreements has become personal, and violent. Gwen’s return, and her meddling with Xander, could tip the balance — possibly ending his shot at leading Titan or even staying in Salem.

Belle, Jada & a Dangerous Memory Stick

The mystery deepens when Belle Black (Martha Madison) and Jada Hunter (Elia Cantu) discover a mysterious memory stick containing highly sensitive information — all signs point to EJ. Is he being framed? Or is he planting false evidence himself to manipulate the investigation?

With the FBI and ISA circling closer and Gwen hiding in plain sight, the entire city could become entangled in a scandal stretching from hospital corridors to the highest corporate towers.

The Umbrella Plot: Summer Secrets Collide

Salem is in the grip of what insiders call the umbrella plot — a massive, interconnected storyline involving Gwen, Vivian, EJ, the Kiriakis and DiMera families, the ISA, and even hospital ownership. As secrets surface and enemies align, Gwen may either be the mastermind pulling the strings — or the pawn in a far more dangerous game.

Final Fallout: Love, Power, and War

Xander and Sarah’s relationship hangs by a thread. Gwen’s presence is reopening old wounds, while her schemes risk dismantling both Titan and DiMera empires. Johnny’s future is uncertain. EJ may be spiraling into unchecked ambition. Vivian is lurking, waiting to strike. And at the center of it all — Gwen, manipulating everyone with a smile and a hidden dagger.

Conclusion: Salem on the Brink

July 10, 2025, is not just another day in Salem — it’s a turning point. Explosive confrontations, federal investigations, courtroom drama, and bitter betrayals collide in a storm that could change the town forever. Gwen’s return isn’t just a comeback — it’s a declaration of war. And as always in Days of Our Lives, no one is safe and nothing is what it seems.

Stay tuned. The storm has only just begun.