Salem is about to experience a seismic shake-up as three major characters make their dramatic return next week on Days of our Lives. Brace yourselves, fans — Sami Brady, Rex Brady, and Vivian Alamain are heading back to town, and their arrivals promise to unleash a tidal wave of chaos, secrets, and explosive drama that will leave no one untouched.

First up is the always fiery Sami Brady, played by Alison Sweeney, who is never far from controversy. Her return to Salem is shrouded in mystery, and true to form, she’s hiding secrets that could tear relationships apart. Her arrival coincides with EJ DiMera’s recovery from a suspicious shooting — and Sami’s name is already being whispered as a possible suspect. Given her tumultuous history with EJ, the suspicion isn’t surprising. Their past is riddled with betrayal, heartbreak, and manipulation. Could Sami have finally crossed the line? Or is she once again being framed by someone who knows how to play her game?

Sami’s comeback also stirs up unresolved tension with Rafe Hernandez. Their past is messy and complicated, and Sami might have unfinished business with him. Is she seeking comfort, redemption, or simply trying to cover her tracks? Rafe might be the only one capable of seeing through her schemes, and he could hold the key to uncovering the truth behind EJ’s shooter.

Meanwhile, Johnny, caught in the middle as Sami and EJ’s son, is facing an emotional minefield. He’s already struggling with his own personal issues, but now he’s forced to question his loyalty: does he side with the father who raised him or the mother who may have tried to kill him? Sami’s reappearance is certain to spark a storm within the DiMera family, and the fallout could be devastating.

Next, we have Rex Brady, portrayed by Kyle Lowder, who returns under less-than-ideal circumstances. Spoilers reveal that Rex is dealing with both emotional and physical trauma, and his mother Kate Roberts is out for blood — specifically EJ’s. She holds him responsible for Rex’s accident, and tensions will erupt when the two come face-to-face. Kate’s protective instincts are in full force, and viewers can expect a fiery confrontation as long-buried resentment comes bubbling to the surface.

But there’s more to Rex’s return than just vengeance. He’s about to stumble into a secret Sarah Horton has been desperately trying to keep hidden — a secret that could blow her relationship with Xander out of the water. Whether Sarah confesses to Rex or he uncovers it himself, the revelation is bound to spark a messy love triangle that reignites old wounds. Will Rex help Sarah keep her secret or expose her in the name of loyalty?

And just when you think the drama couldn’t get any messier, Vivian Alamain — the queen of chaos herself, played by Louise Sorel — makes a grand return. She’s back with her signature flair and more scheming than ever. Her target? Her son, Philip Kiriakis. Viewers will finally get answers about the mysterious letter she gave him — the one believed to protect Victor’s legacy. But it turns out the letter was a fake, and Vivian knew it all along. She manipulated Philip into playing a dangerous game with the family fortune, and now the truth is about to explode.

Philip, no longer the gullible son she once controlled, could turn on her to protect what’s left of his reputation. But Vivian never leaves a battlefield without destruction. Her comeback could also impact Maggie, Justin, and others entangled in Victor’s estate, especially if she knows more than she’s letting on.

With Sami, Rex, and Vivian back in the picture, Salem is heading for total upheaval. Betrayals will be exposed, loyalties tested, and secrets unearthed that will shake the foundation of the town. As the dust begins to settle, one thing is clear — no one in Salem is safe, especially from the ones they thought they could trust.