Buckle up, Salem fans, because the week of July 7, 2025, on “Days of Our Lives” is about to erupt into a horrifying whirlwind of drama, shocking comebacks, a dire medical emergency, and heartbreaking family secrets! The latest preview clip from Peacock has unveiled a chaotic picture where unexpected kisses intermingle with profound tragedies, and a beloved character silently battles for her very life. Salem’s delicate balance is under threat from unforeseen events, dragging the fate of an entire town into the vortex.

I. Gwen Rizczech’s Audacious Return: A Kiss, a Necklace, and a Calculated “Surprise”

The notorious villainess Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien) is back in Salem, and she’s not arriving quietly! Gwen’s reappearance isn’t just a brief visit; she walks straight into the Horton house alongside Chad DiMera (Billy Flynn), an utterly baffling and defiant act. The preview shows Gwen with a chilling smile as she delivers a sarcastic “Surprise” to a visibly shell-shocked Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes). Chad bringing Gwen to Julie is incredibly odd, almost illogical, hinting at a much deeper motive behind this staged performance.

Could this return be directly linked to the missing Horton heirloom necklace? Is Gwen perhaps the secret buyer, the one who has held this precious artifact in the shadows? The question arises: does Gwen intend to leverage this valuable item for negotiation, perhaps in exchange for a semblance of forgiveness, or is she planning a darker scheme, exploiting the Horton family’s vulnerability?

And the climax of this dramatic return: Gwen is seen sharing a kiss with someone in the clip. All speculation points to Xander Cook Kiriakis (Paul Telfer). Is this a sign of a rekindled, complicated relationship, or a new alliance forged, spelling trouble for others in Salem? This kiss isn’t just a romantic gesture; it’s a statement of power from Gwen, indicating she’s ready to stir things up once more.

II. A Baby’s Medical Crisis: The Screaming Truth and an Unavoidable Confession

The heartbreaking storyline involving the abandoned baby cared for by Javi Hernandez (Al Calderon) and Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) is about to reach a critical, agonizing point. Fans know that this baby is actually the child of Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd) and Tate Black (Leo Howard), a fact that only Melinda Trask (Tina Huang) is currently aware of. This hidden bloodline has created an underlying layer of tension, just waiting for the moment to explode.

The preview clip shows the baby crying uncontrollably, its piercing screams causing Ari Horton (Marissa Reyes) to cover her ears in distress. Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) tries desperately to help, but Leo, visibly panicked, confesses that he believes “something is really wrong with the newborn.” This isn’t just a normal fussy baby; this is a severe medical emergency, a life hanging by the thinnest of threads. Could this critical condition be a health issue that only Sophia or Tate can address, perhaps requiring a specific blood type or family history? Will the pressure of time and the baby’s survival be immense enough to force Sophia to step into the light, confess her devastating secret, and face the consequences to save her child? This promises to be a gut-wrenching moment, filled with tears and profound sacrifice.

III. Marlena’s Secret Battle: An Enduring Icon Fading?

Beyond the personal tragedies and calculated schemes, another deeply concerning development involves the beloved Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), an icon of wisdom and strength in Salem. The preview shows Marlena nearly collapsing, causing her daughter, Belle Black (Martha Madison), to be utterly alarmed. Belle immediately asks her mother a sharp, probing question: “Is there something you aren’t telling me?”

This strongly suggests that Marlena is silently battling a secret health crisis, an underlying illness she’s desperately trying to conceal from her loved ones. For a character of Marlena’s stature and immense popularity, a hidden health struggle promises to deliver deeply emotional and high-stakes drama. Marlena’s vulnerability not only impacts her family but also deeply moves the entire fan community, leaving them anxious about “Doc’s” fate and awaiting the heartbreaking truth to be unveiled.

IV. Power Plays and Passion: DiMera’s Ruthless Game & Salem’s Flirting Future

Despite the personal tragedies and alarming health concerns, the DiMera empire remains at the heart of ruthless power struggles. Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) is seen strategizing with EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerreigel), hinting at new, cunning plans for dominance. Disturbingly, EJ believes Johnny holds the key to regaining control of DiMera Enterprises, suggesting he won’t hesitate to use his own son as a pawn in this merciless game. This is a cold, calculated family betrayal, revealing EJ’s utter ruthlessness when power is at stake.

However, amidst the chaos, the week of July 7 also delivers unexpected moments of romance, like fragile flickers of light in a gathering storm. The preview teases multiple passionate smooches between characters:

• Gwen and Xander reconnect with a kiss.
• Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) and Sarah Horton Kiriakis (Linsey Godfrey) also share a romantic embrace.
• Doug Williams III (Peyton Meyer) plants a kiss on Ari Horton (Marissa Reyes).
• Tate Black and Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) share a fervent kiss.
• Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson), who has openly declared his love, shares an intimate moment with Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein).
• Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) also receives kisses from Chanel Dupree-DiMera (Raven Bowens), confirming their continued closeness.

These romantic interludes, while providing some relief from the intense atmosphere, could also hint at new romantic complications or serve as emotional catalysts for even larger conflicts to come.

With shocking returns, a potential life-or-death situation for an innocent baby, blossoming romances, and hidden health crises, the week of July 7 is poised to be one of the most unforgettable and intensely dramatic periods on “Days of Our Lives.”

Which storyline are you most excited (or worried) about in the coming week? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!