Days of Our Lives Weekly Predictions: EJ’s Twisted Plan, Marlena’s Hypnosis, and New Power Couples in Salem

Welcome back, Days of Our Lives fans, to another drama-packed prediction edition brought to you by Soap Dirt, your ultimate source for all the twists, betrayals, and bombshells exploding across Salem. I’m Belinda, and if you’re not already following, be sure to hit that subscribe button because you won’t want to miss a moment of the scandalous summer storyline.

This week, we’re diving into tangled family loyalty, fake evidence, forbidden kisses, and surprising alliances. From EJ’s dangerous games to Gwen and Kristen’s rekindled scheming, here’s what’s heating up on Days of Our Lives—with predictions that might just become reality.

Prediction #1: Chanel Must Clear Her Name Before It’s Too Late

Tuesday’s episode brings more heat as Chanel and Johnny comfort each other while both remain tangled in the investigation surrounding EJ’s shooting. Chanel is officially a suspect now, and Johnny’s still awaiting trial. But in an unexpected twist, EJ himself—while recovering from being shot—asks Belle for help.

In Thursday’s courtroom scenes, jury selection begins for Johnny’s attempted murder trial. And if you’ve seen the promo, you know this trial is about to explode with surprises. EJ insists he wants to remember who shot him—not just to find justice, but to clear Johnny’s name.

The turning point? A mysteriously edited SD card sent to Belle, showing Chanel threatening EJ. But neither Chanel nor EJ remembers the moment—which suggests this is a high-quality deep fake. Belle and Jada know something’s not right, and Chanel told Johnny straight-up: “I didn’t say that to your dad.”

So who tampered with the video? The prediction: EJ is behind it all. He orchestrated the deep fake, planted the evidence, and is playing a dangerous game of manipulation to control the narrative and push Chanel into the hot seat while trying to pivot suspicion off himself—or someone closer.

With Paulina stepping in to protect her daughter, we expect someone to send that footage for analysis to uncover signs of AI-generated content or digital editing. Let’s hope Chanel can clear her name before Johnny does something reckless to protect her.

Prediction #2: Belle Turns to Marlena to Hypnotize EJ and Recover His Memories

As the trial looms, Belle comes up with a bold idea—one rooted in Salem’s favorite fallback: hypnosis.

In the promo, Belle tells EJ she knows a way to help him remember what happened the night he was shot. And EJ agrees that the key to clearing Johnny is buried deep in his fractured memory. The only person in Salem who’s helped others recover suppressed or tampered memories before?

Dr. Marlena Evans.

For decades, Marlena has used hypnosis to unlock repressed trauma, reverse mind control, and even help the undead recall past lives. So it’s no surprise that Belle might turn to her mother to help EJ.

Despite EJ’s long-standing disdain for Marlena—and the feeling being mutual—he may have no choice but to agree. If he truly wants to protect Johnny and stop his shooter from trying again, he’ll need Marlena to pry into the shadows of his mind.

Prediction? Marlena hypnotizes EJ, and what he remembers shocks him—and us.

Prediction #3: Sami Returns to Salem—and Confronts EJ While Supporting Johnny

The Summer promo promised big returns, and none are more explosive than Sami Brady’s. After being off-screen during John Black’s near-death and Sydney’s injury, Sami reappears—this time, with EJ and Johnny in her crosshairs.

She reconnects with Marlena and is seen hugging her grieving mother, clearly reeling from everything happening around her family. The shooting, Johnny’s trial, and Chanel’s involvement all weigh heavily on her.

In a powerful moment with Johnny, Sami finally opens up about her own past—admitting to drugging and assaulting Austin in a desperate act years ago. She draws parallels to EJ’s crimes against her and how those choices now affect Johnny’s identity and pain.

But as always, Sami’s back with a mission—and this time, it’s to make sure her son isn’t sacrificed. The prediction? She and EJ will come to a fragile truce, where EJ promises to do everything to ensure Johnny walks free. Whether Sami stays for the full trial or not, she’ll leave knowing she did her part—and trusting, albeit cautiously, that EJ will do his.

Prediction #4: Xander and Gabi Get Closer—While Sparks Fly at Titan

This week, Ari and Holly are kidnapped, setting off a chain reaction of emotional chaos. On Friday, Xander comforts a distraught Gabi, and the two share an unexpectedly tender moment at the office.

Gabi, terrified for her daughter, finds solace in Xander—who deeply relates to being kept away from his child. With Sarah and Xander battling for custody of baby Victoria, Xander’s emotions are raw. He knows what it’s like to feel powerless and desperate to protect your child.

The tension escalates in the summer promo, where Gabi kisses both Xander and Philip—sparking a new power triangle. At the Bistro, Sarah sees Gabi kiss Xander and responds by kissing Brady, prompting a furious Xander to punch Brady.

The prediction: Gabi sees an opportunity here—not just emotionally, but strategically. Gabi Chic is still under Titan control, and both Philip and Xander are circling her company like sharks. With Tony’s help, Gabi might be ready to play both brothers to regain her empire—using charm, kisses, and chaos.

Prediction #5: Gwen and Kristen Reunite—and Scheme Against EJ

Tuesday brings Gwen back to the DiMera mansion for a meeting with Kristen. By Wednesday, she’s asking EJ if she can move back in. Kristen’s surprised to learn Gwen and Dmitri are still married, which means Gwen still has a legal claim to Von Leuschner wealth and the DiMera name.

The promo shows Gwen and Kristen whispering conspiratorially, while EJ is seen telling someone to “find out what he knows and stop him,” possibly referring to Steve Johnson, who’s investigating EJ’s shady dealings—especially around the University Hospital buyout.

With Gwen in the mansion, EJ may recruit her to spy, mislead, or distract key players like Chad, Patch, and Kayla, who are all sniffing around his finances. The mansion is a hub of secrets—and Gwen’s proximity to Kristen opens the door to a whole new wave of underhanded plots.

Prediction? Gwen and Kristen partner up again, not just to protect their interests, but possibly to take EJ down from the inside. Kristen will soon be accused of shooting EJ, and Gwen might be the wild card that turns the tide against him.

Final Thoughts: The Firestorm Is Just Beginning in Salem

From fabricated evidence to rekindled alliances, Days of Our Lives is cooking up a sizzling summer full of secrets, lies, and emotional wreckage.

• Will Chanel prove her innocence before Johnny sacrifices himself?

• Can EJ handle the truth Marlena might uncover through hypnosis?

• Is Sami truly ready to make peace, or will old wounds tear the family apart again?

• And could Xander and Gabi’s heat burn Titan to the ground?

• Will Gwen and Kristen take the DiMera empire for themselves?

One thing’s for sure—Salem will never be the same.

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Until next time, keep your eyes on Salem. The drama is only just beginning.