The rivalry between Philip Kiriakis and Xander Cook on Days of our Lives has been on full display since it was revealed that Xander was the son of Victor Kiriakis and Fiona. As two half-brothers vying for control of Titan Industries, their story is as much about blood ties as it is about betrayal and survival in the high-stakes world of Salem’s elite.
Origins Of The Rivalry
It all began in late 2024 when Xander (Paul Telfer) was revealed as the secret son of Salem’s titan, Victor Kiriakis (the late John Aniston). This revelation immediately threw the Kiriakis family dynamics into chaos. Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier), Victor’s recognized son and Titan’s established leader, saw Xander’s arrival as a direct challenge to his claim. Their battle for Titan’s control escalated quickly, culminating in a court ruling that mandated both brothers share Titan equally as co-CEOs.
But the court’s decision did little to smooth their rivalry. Early in 2025, tensions boiled over when Xander, frustrated and feeling betrayed, pulled a gun on Philip during a heated meeting at Titan’s headquarters. The fact that Philip had removed the bullets prevented a potential tragedy but underscored the deep mistrust and volatility between them. Still, there was a brief window where the brothers tried to bridge the gap. Philip and Xander opened up about their pasts and vulnerabilities, seemingly paving the way for reconciliation. 
Yet, that fragile peace was built on shaky ground. Behind the scenes, Sarah (Linsey Godfrey), Xander’s wife, and Stephanie (Abigail Klein), Philip’s love interest, were harboring secrets. Notably, Sarah knew about Philip’s forgery of a letter from Victor, which was meant to strengthen Philip’s hold over Titan. This deception, coupled with Sarah’s silence, deeply wounded Xander when it eventually came to light.
Modern Day Cain And Abel
The betrayal led to a violent climax when Xander confronted Philip in a hotel room and unleashed a brutal assault, leaving Philip hospitalized and the family shaken. The feud grew even darker when Xander stormed into Philip’s hospital room carrying a pillow, suggesting he might continue his attack. Fortunately, no further violence occurred, but the tension between them remained palpable.
Despite everything, the brothers took a surprising step toward peace. Xander offered a reluctant apology, and together they agreed to a mutual cover-up: Xander would protect Philip from consequences related to the forged letter, and Philip would keep quiet about the assault. This truce, while preventing immediate legal fallout, left many wondering how long such a precarious alliance could hold. Can blood really overcome betrayal, or is another clash inevitable? Sound off in the comments section below!
