Salem has seen its share of kidnappings, resurrections, and elaborate betrayals, but the latest Days of Our Lives storyline surrounding EJ DiMera feels especially loaded with deception.

What initially appeared to be a shocking crime may, in fact, be something far more calculated. As the dust settles from EJ’s dramatic rescue, a chilling possibility emerges:

EJ may never have been a victim at all. And standing quietly at the center of this web of manipulation is Rita, whose role may be far more significant than anyone in Salem realizes.

From the moment EJ was discovered in the catacombs beneath Salem, the storyline carried an unmistakable sense of theatricality. The location alone — a shadowy underground maze steeped in DiMera history — immediately raised red flags. These catacombs are not just another hiding place; they are symbolic ground for the DiMera family, a space associated with buried secrets, ruthless strategy, and long games played in the dark. That EJ would be found there feels less like coincidence and more like design.

When Theo Carver and Chad DiMera finally reach EJ, the scene is staged for maximum impact. EJ is disoriented, exhausted, and visibly shaken, his polished exterior replaced by dust and vulnerability. Yet even in this weakened state, he remains commanding. He quickly reminds his rescuers that he himself sealed the catacombs years ago, after crimes that shook Salem to its core. No one thought to search there, he notes pointedly — a comment that sounds less like an observation and more like a subtle boast. If EJ wanted to disappear without being found, there is no place more perfect.

The story grows even more suspicious once EJ confronts his siblings. Tony and Kristen DiMera, allegedly asleep during the critical moments of EJ’s disappearance, claim they were on the verge of breaking into the catacombs when a warning shot rang out, forcing them to retreat. That gunshot conveniently halted the rescue effort and allowed the supposed kidnapper to vanish without a trace. For longtime viewers, this explanation feels carefully rehearsed. In Salem, warning shots are rarely spontaneous — they are signals, distractions, and tools of manipulation.

EJ’s reaction to the story is equally telling. Rather than expressing relief or gratitude, he erupts with anger, demanding to know why they did not try harder, why they did not come for him sooner. It is a performance steeped in indignation, designed to deflect suspicion and reinforce his role as the wronged party. But beneath the fury lies calculation. EJ has always understood that outrage can be as effective as innocence when it comes to controlling a narrative.

The timing of EJ’s disappearance is another glaring clue. His vanishing act occurs just as DiMera Enterprises faces mounting pressure and internal instability. Rivals circle, alliances strain, and legal threats loom. By reemerging as a kidnapping victim, EJ instantly reframes the story. Sympathy replaces scrutiny. Accusations stall. Any investigation into his recent dealings is overshadowed by concern for his safety. It is a masterstroke — one that only someone with EJ’s experience and audacity could execute.

This is where Rita enters the picture.

Rita’s reappearance during EJ’s absence was subtle but significant. She carried out orders attributed to EJ with remarkable efficiency, ensuring that his interests were protected even while he was supposedly imprisoned underground. These actions were not reactive; they were proactive, suggesting foreknowledge and coordination. Rita did not behave like someone scrambling to manage a crisis. She behaved like someone following a carefully constructed plan.

The possibility that Rita orchestrated the logistics of EJ’s disappearance cannot be ignored. She has the discretion, intelligence, and moral flexibility required for such a scheme. If EJ designed the illusion, Rita may have been the architect who made it believable — arranging the staged abduction, managing communication, and ensuring that key players were kept exactly where EJ needed them to be.

Their partnership, whether rooted in loyalty, ambition, or mutual self-interest, adds a dangerous layer to the storyline. Rita is not merely a subordinate executing commands. She appears to be an active strategist, someone capable of anticipating outcomes and adjusting the plan in real time. If this deception unravels, she may prove just as dangerous to EJ as she is to his enemies.

The emotional fallout of this deception could be devastating. Theo, whose moral compass rarely wavers, may begin to notice inconsistencies that force him to question EJ’s story. Chad, already burdened by resentment and mistrust, could see this as the ultimate betrayal — not just of family, but of truth itself. And Tony and Kristen, seasoned manipulators in their own right, may find themselves trapped between complicity and exposure.

Beyond the DiMera family, the ripple effects extend across Salem. EJ’s kidnapping has shifted alliances, delayed justice, and manipulated emotions on a grand scale. If it is revealed to be fake, the consequences will be explosive. Trust will shatter. Old wounds will reopen. And the DiMera legacy — already stained by decades of crime and deception — will sink to new depths.

From a storytelling perspective, the arc is classic Days of Our Lives at its finest. The use of atmosphere, shadow, and ambiguity keeps viewers questioning every motive. Rita’s quiet presence, paired with EJ’s overt dramatics, creates a compelling contrast that fuels suspicion. Nothing is stated outright, yet every scene invites scrutiny.

The central question remains: is EJ the ultimate mastermind, or is he underestimating the woman helping him pull the strings? Rita’s growing influence suggests that this story may not end with a simple reveal. If she turns on EJ — or exposes him to save herself — the fallout could eclipse the original crime. Alternatively, EJ may be setting the stage for an even larger power play, using this deception to eliminate threats and secure his dominance once and for all.

What is certain is this: the kidnapping is only the beginning. Whether EJ is deceiving everyone or being quietly outmaneuvered by his own ally, Salem is heading toward a reckoning. Secrets buried in the catacombs never stay buried for long — and when the truth finally surfaces, it will change the DiMera family forever.