Salem is no stranger to shocking returns, but Gwen Rizczech’s comeback is turning heads for a reason no one could’ve predicted. While many expected Gwen to reenter town with her sights set squarely on rekindling her connection with Xander Cook, she’s doing just the opposite. This time, Gwen is leaving old wounds behind—and instead, she’s focused on something, or rather someone, completely unexpected. Gwen’s new objective is both strategic and deeply personal, and it may end up shaking Salem’s social web more than anyone could have imagined.

After enduring heartbreak and betrayal, Gwen has clearly undergone a transformation. She’s not the same woman who once schemed to win Xander’s heart at all costs. The pain of being second-best, of watching Xander pine over Sarah Horton while she stood on the sidelines, has left its mark. But rather than sink into bitterness, Gwen has chosen to rise with a different purpose—and that shift might just turn her into one of Salem’s most formidable wild cards.

So, who or what has captured Gwen’s attention now? Insiders suggest she’s setting her sights on climbing higher in Salem’s power circles. Gwen is determined to rebrand herself—not as the woman scorned, but as a player in her own right. She’s not chasing love this time; she’s chasing influence. And if she has to shake a few foundations to get there, so be it.

It’s not just a career move. Rumors hint that Gwen might be targeting a key figure connected to Salem’s legacy families. Whether this is out of ambition, revenge, or a carefully planned strategy remains to be seen. Some speculate she’s aligning herself with someone like Stefan DiMera or even forging a shaky alliance with Kristen DiMera, who always seems to have her own revenge agenda. A team-up between Gwen and Kristen could spell major trouble for the likes of Sarah, Gabi, or even Nicole.

Of course, Gwen’s past won’t be easy to outrun. Her previous manipulations and betrayals haven’t exactly made her the most beloved citizen in Salem. Many are skeptical of her intentions, and old enemies like Abigail’s memory still cast a long shadow. Jack Deveraux, Gwen’s father, will be torn between supporting his daughter’s new journey and questioning whether this is just another of her deceptions in disguise.

Gwen is well aware that her redemption arc won’t be handed to her on a silver platter. That’s why she’s approaching this new chapter with a much more calculated approach. She’s pulling strings behind the scenes, making subtle moves that most of Salem hasn’t even noticed yet. But make no mistake—her endgame is unfolding.

Meanwhile, Xander remains mostly in the dark about Gwen’s reentry and new direction. He’s preoccupied with his own turmoil in the aftermath of Kristen’s bombshell revelation about Sarah. With his heart in tatters and his trust in shambles, Xander’s not even in Gwen’s rearview mirror. She’s done mourning what could’ve been. Now, she’s rewriting her story—without him.

Still, some close to Gwen aren’t convinced she’s completely over Xander. Is her new mission a genuine attempt at reinvention? Or is it a clever smokescreen to distract from lingering feelings she refuses to acknowledge? Only time will tell. But if Gwen is planning to prove that she’s moved on, she’s going to do it in the most dramatic way possible—by making herself indispensable to someone else entirely.

As Salem begins to feel the ripples of Gwen’s surprising return, alliances will shift, loyalties will be tested, and long-buried secrets may rise to the surface. Gwen is no longer content to be an afterthought or a pawn in someone else’s game. She’s stepping into a new role—possibly as a queenmaker, or even a queen herself.

Whether it’s the business world, the social scene, or the tangled romances of the town’s elite, Gwen has her eyes on a new prize. And if the citizens of Salem aren’t careful, they may find themselves outmaneuvered by a woman who’s mastered the art of survival.

The question remains: will Gwen’s bold new pursuit lead to redemption, or will it end in even greater destruction?

Stay tuned, Days of Our Lives fans. Gwen’s return is more than just a homecoming—it’s the beginning of a game-changing chapter that no one saw coming.