Salem has never been short of drama, but the upcoming week of Days of Our Lives (September 14–19, 2025) promises to be one of the most explosive yet. Betrayals, power struggles,

and shocking revelations threaten to unravel families, friendships, and even entire institutions. But at the heart of this week’s chaos lies one of the most disturbing twists

the show has dared to explore: the dark spiral of Rachel Black. With cunning schemes, devastating betrayals, and a chilling transformation from rebellious child to dangerous threat,

Salem is bracing itself for a storm like no other. Here’s a breakdown of the major storylines that will rock DOOL this week.

Tony DiMera’s Bold Play for Theo Carver

The week begins with intrigue in the DiMera family, as Tony DiMera makes a stunning move that could reshape the company’s future. Dispatching the DiMera private jet to South Africa, Tony personally summons his nephew Theo Carver back to Salem.

While many assumed this was simply a heartfelt family reunion, Tony’s intentions quickly reveal themselves to be far more calculated. He proposes a secret “private project” that requires Theo’s expertise. Speculation swirls—could Tony be grooming Theo to take over as the new CEO of DiMera Enterprises, or is this part of a more sinister plot to infiltrate Titan Industries and dismantle their merger from within?

Theo’s parents, Abe Carver and Paulina Price, stand firmly by his side, offering support as he navigates Tony’s manipulative overtures. But as Theo wrestles with the choice, the tension between family loyalty and corporate ambition grows more dangerous by the day.

Sophia’s Sinister Manipulation

Meanwhile, in Salem’s younger circle, Sophia Choi continues her dangerous obsession with Tate Black. Determined to destroy Holly Jonas’ chances with him, Sophia embarks on a deeply disturbing campaign of manipulation.

This week, Sophia stages a cruel frame-up, snapping compromising photos of Holly while she’s unconscious. By tampering with Holly’s clothing and carefully curating the scene, Sophia crafts a scandalous illusion of betrayal—pictures designed to shatter Holly’s relationship with Tate while positioning herself as the “loyal friend” ready to comfort him.

But the fallout of Sophia’s actions threatens far more than just Holly and Tate. Johnny DiMera, who was once the subject of Holly’s infatuation, finds his own reputation dragged into the mess. His marriage to Chanel could be rocked by whispers of scandal, and even Salem University could face public embarrassment as rumors spread. Sophia’s campaign of psychological warfare cements her status as one of Salem’s rising antagonists, a young schemer in the making.

The DNA Test That Could Shatter Lives

Paternity secrets are about to explode as Rafe Hernandez orders a decisive DNA test on baby Tazoro. The results could confirm Tate Black as the biological father—or unravel a much larger web of lies.

At the same time, Tate himself is working on securing Sophia’s DNA sample, hoping to clear the fog surrounding his entanglement with her. Together, these tests converge on a truth that could upend multiple families in Salem.

But the ever-calculating Melinda Trask lurks in the background, possibly ready to tamper with the results for her own agenda. Brady Black, increasingly suspicious of the entire situation, turns to Steve Johnson for help. Could this investigation uncover more than just paternity secrets—perhaps an elaborate conspiracy tied to Salem’s most powerful families?

Rachel Black’s Descent Into Darkness

The most chilling storyline of the week belongs to Rachel Black, whose rebellious behavior has now escalated into something terrifying. No longer just a troubled child, Rachel’s actions hint at something far darker—a potential for calculated violence.

Evidence continues to mount that the shooting incident involving EJ DiMera was not an accident but a deliberate act of revenge. Rachel’s dreams and disturbing nightly rituals point to careful planning and a lack of remorse, painting a picture of Salem’s youngest—and most dangerous—emerging threat.

This week, Rachel drops a shocking revelation on her mother, Kristen DiMera. While the exact nature of her confession remains shrouded in secrecy, insiders tease that it could have devastating consequences for the entire DiMera family. Kristen, already infamous for her own schemes, may now face the horrifying truth that her daughter is following in her footsteps—but with even less control and far more dangerous impulses.

The chilling question on everyone’s mind: Is Rachel about to become Salem’s youngest killer?

Salem Medical Center in Crisis

Beyond the personal dramas, a public battle rages at Salem University Hospital. EJ DiMera’s harsh cost-cutting policies have fueled chaos, with doctors and nurses rebelling against a system that now jeopardizes patient care.

Dr. Kayla Brady and Dr. Caleb Brady step up to lead a rebellion, opening the Dr. Tom Horton Free Clinic as an alternative to EJ’s collapsing system. The clinic’s launch threatens to siphon staff and patients away from the hospital in droves, signaling a healthcare war in Salem.

Meanwhile, Gwen Rizczech is revealed as EJ’s secret financial partner, funding his hospital acquisition and tying herself deeper into DiMera power plays. Their dream of a branded medical empire could reshape healthcare in Salem—but at what cost?

Love, Loss, and Family Ties

Amidst the chaos, love and family still fight to survive. Belle Black and Shawn Brady share a heartfelt moment that hints at reconciliation, despite their past entanglements with EJ and Jada. Johnny DiMera and Chanel face new challenges as Chanel announces her decision to pursue adoption, sparking both hope and complications given Salem’s ongoing baby dramas.

Stephanie Johnson, meanwhile, confronts her father Steve about his relentless investigations and the toll they take on their family. And Tate prepares to make a bold move with Sophia—but whether it’s driven by genuine emotion or tactical survival remains to be seen.

Final Thoughts: A Week That Changes Salem Forever

From Tony’s corporate machinations to Sophia’s manipulation, from shocking DNA results to Rachel Black’s chilling descent into darkness, this week of Days of Our Lives promises to be unforgettable. Salem has always been a town of secrets and betrayals, but the stakes have never felt higher—or more dangerous.

By the week’s end, families could be torn apart, reputations ruined, and Salem itself left reeling from a child’s shocking transformation into a potential killer.