In the tangled world of Days of Our Lives, few things are as compelling as betrayal, vengeance, and twisted alliances. This upcoming week in Salem promises a storyline packed with all three, centering around a powerful and shocking new development: Kate and Sarah joining forces to take down Xander. Yes, two women from completely different worlds are now united by one goal—to ruin Xander Kiriakis’ life and make sure he never gets near Victoria again.

At the core of this explosive drama is the custody battle over young Victoria Kiriakis. Xander, recently released on bail, is fighting tooth and nail to be in his daughter’s life. But for Sarah, Victoria’s mother, this battle isn’t just about parental rights—it’s a war to protect her child from the man she believes is a dangerous threat. And as the pressure mounts, Sarah finds an unlikely ally in Kate Roberts, a woman with her own deeply personal vendetta against Xander.

Xander’s quest for custody isn’t just legal strategy—it’s redemption. After years of criminal acts and emotional manipulation, he sees this as his chance to prove he’s changed. But his past keeps following him like a dark cloud, and Salem doesn’t forget. Sarah, who has weathered betrayal and heartbreak at Xander’s hands, doesn’t believe in his supposed transformation. She sees his pursuit of Victoria as one more twisted manipulation from a man whose hands are far from clean. In her eyes, Xander isn’t trying to be a father—he’s trying to control.

Sarah’s maternal instincts are in overdrive. From kidnapping plots to covering up murders, Xander’s resume reads like a criminal dossier. She’s determined to shield Victoria from that kind of chaos—even if it means aligning herself with someone she’s previously clashed with. That someone is Kate Roberts, and her reasons for targeting Xander are equally compelling.

Kate’s hatred of Xander runs deep. Her son, Philip Kiriakis, nearly lost everything because of one of Xander’s many devious schemes. Kate has waited patiently for an opportunity to make Xander pay, and with Philip expected to awaken from his coma soon, she sees the perfect storm approaching. If Philip can testify against Xander, it could be the legal blow that finally buries him. But if the system fails, Kate’s ready to take matters into her own hands.

She’s not a woman to bluff. With years of experience in corporate war rooms and personal vendettas, Kate has both the motive and the means to destroy her enemies—and she’s now laser-focused on Xander. To her, he represents everything that threatens her family’s legacy. She’s not just fighting for justice—she’s out for blood.

So what happens when two women with nothing in common decide to take down a shared enemy? Salem is about to find out. Sarah and Kate may not trust each other completely, but desperation makes strange bedfellows. For Sarah, it’s all about protecting her daughter. For Kate, it’s about avenging her son. Together, they could become a terrifying force, combining Kate’s cold strategy with Sarah’s fiery passion. It’s the kind of alliance that could destroy Xander from every angle—personally, legally, and emotionally.

Xander, of course, isn’t ignorant to the threat. He can sense the walls closing in and knows better than to underestimate either woman—especially now that they’re working together. But desperation is a dangerous thing, and Xander’s running on fumes. This is a man who once faked the death of a child to manipulate Sarah into staying with him—there’s no telling what he might do now that he’s fighting for real custody. If he’s pushed too far, the results could be catastrophic.

Meanwhile, the rest of Salem is watching, waiting for the storm to hit. The tension is thick as everyone wonders: Will Sarah and Kate succeed in stopping Xander? Or will Xander, ever the manipulator, find a way to twist the situation in his favor? Could he truly become a loving father, or is this just another mask he’s wearing to serve his own interests?

As all eyes turn toward the developing custody battle, another layer of drama unfolds—one tinged with mourning, memory, and legacy. On Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, Salem comes together for the third and final part of John Black’s farewell. The town square becomes a place of remembrance and tribute, as friends, family, and longtime viewers say goodbye to a beloved figure played by the late Drake Hogestyn.

The scene is deeply emotional, reflecting on John’s journey through mystery, love, and family. As tributes pour in from his children and loved ones, fans are reminded that in the chaos of Salem, love still binds people together. Eric Brady speaks of chosen family. Carrie Brady honors the unity of blended households. Brady Black brings laughter with a heartfelt ode to John’s signature eyebrow raise. Even Sami Brady, speaking from afar, shares her regrets and redemption in a tearful message.

The tribute to John Black is a poignant pause amidst the growing chaos, a reminder that the heart of Days of Our Lives lies not just in betrayal and scheming, but also in love and resilience. Yet even as Salem mourns, the other plotlines simmer.

Back in the world of vengeance and custody fights, the pressure on Xander grows by the minute. Sarah and Kate aren’t just planning—they’re executing. Legal motions, whispered threats, and hidden agendas are all on the table. Xander may have once outwitted Salem’s best, but this time, he’s going up against two of its most determined women.

And then there’s Philip. If he wakes up and corroborates Kate’s accusations, it could spell the end for Xander. But what if Philip remembers more than just betrayal? Could he reveal secrets that turn the tide completely? Salem’s history is full of twists, and this storyline promises another seismic shift.

So, buckle up for a week where loyalties will be tested, enemies will unite, and the future of Victoria Kiriakis hangs in the balance. Will Xander finally be brought down by the combined force of love and revenge? Or will he find a way to outmaneuver even this unlikely alliance?

One thing’s for sure—Salem is never short on surprises. And this storm is only just beginning.