Salem is no stranger to scandal, but few storylines ignite debate quite like the combustible reunion of Xander Kiriakis and Gwen Rizczech. As Days of Our Lives barrels forward,

the question on every fan’s mind is unavoidable: was Xander’s night with Gwen a reckless rebound, a calculated act of defiance, or the beginning of

a dangerous new chapter that could upend the balance of power across town? What’s clear is this—nothing about Xander and Gwen is ever simple.

Their connection is raw, volatile, and unapologetically messy. And in the aftermath of Xander’s divorce from Sarah Horton, that mess is spreading fast.

The End of Xarah: Closure or Catalyst?

The finalization of Xander and Sarah’s divorce marks more than the end of a marriage; it signals a turning point for two characters who tried—and failed—to rewrite their own natures. Sarah Horton was Xander’s moral compass, the woman who believed he could outrun his past. With her, Xander chased redemption, stability, and the respectability he craved within the Kiriakis dynasty.

But their love was built on fragile ground. Lies, half-truths, and Xander’s instinct to revert to survival mode repeatedly sabotaged their progress. Sarah loved the man Xander could be; Xander resented the pressure to become him. When the marriage collapsed, it felt both heartbreaking and inevitable.

Now, Sarah appears to be moving on—fast. Her growing closeness with Brady Black suggests a search for safety after chaos. Brady represents reliability, a softer landing after years of emotional whiplash. Yet the timing raises eyebrows. Is this genuine connection, or a classic rebound dressed up as destiny? In Salem, rebounds have a way of detonating when least expected.

Gwen Returns: The Comfort of the Dark

If Sarah was Xander’s conscience, Gwen is his mirror. She sees him—flaws and all—and doesn’t ask him to apologize for surviving the way he knows how. Their chemistry has always crackled with a dangerous honesty, born from shared exile and hard-earned cynicism.

Gwen’s world, however, is collapsing. Dmitri von Leuschner has not only demanded a divorce but launched a ruthless financial assault, threatening to strip Gwen of her security and dignity. Backed into a corner, Gwen does what she has always done best: she looks for leverage.

Enter Xander.

Their reunion—rumored to include a heated, impulsive night together—has ignited speculation across Salem. Was it comfort between two wounded souls? Or something sharper, more strategic? For Gwen, intimacy has often doubled as armor. For Xander, passion can be both refuge and rebellion.

Why Xander and Gwen Work—Until They Don’t

Fans are divided for a reason. Xander and Gwen embody the “us against the world” dynamic that Days executes so well. They are outsiders who clawed their way into Salem’s elite only to be pushed back out when convenient. Together, they don’t perform goodness; they negotiate survival.

With Gwen, Xander doesn’t pretend. He doesn’t promise to be better tomorrow. He simply is. That authenticity is intoxicating—and dangerous. Relationships forged in mutual trauma can burn bright, but they often consume everything around them.

The lingering question is whether Xander’s return to Gwen is an act of liberation or self-sabotage. Is he reclaiming agency after a marriage defined by expectations? Or is he spiraling back toward the chaos he swore to escape?

Theories Taking Over Salem

As the fallout unfolds, several possibilities loom large—each more explosive than the last.

A Jealousy Gambit: Xander may be using Gwen, consciously or not, to provoke Sarah. Seeing Sarah gravitate toward Brady could have triggered a familiar impulse: prove he doesn’t need saving. If so, the consequences could be devastating when emotions catch up to intention.

A Dangerous Partnership: Gwen’s financial desperation sets the stage for a risky alliance. With Xander’s Kiriakis ties and Gwen’s talent for manipulation, whispers of a scheme—embezzlement, corporate sabotage, or a bold play against Dmitri—are growing louder. Such a move would put Xander at odds with Maggie Horton, the one person who has consistently defended him.

Power Versus Passion: With Victor Kiriakis gone, the family empire is vulnerable. Xander wants legitimacy and influence. Aligning with Gwen could undermine those ambitions, forcing him to choose between respectability and the woman who understands him best.

History Repeats—With Higher Stakes

This triangle echoes classic Days rivalries: the “pure love” versus “toxic passion” debate that has fueled decades of storytelling. Gwen and Xander once thrived as schemers, outmaneuvering enemies with ruthless efficiency. If the writers lean back into that Bonnie-and-Clyde energy, the pair could become Salem’s most formidable—and feared—duo.

But legacy matters in this town. Power is inherited, alliances are remembered, and betrayals never fade. Xander’s struggle is no longer just romantic; it’s existential. Who is he without Sarah’s faith? And who does he become with Gwen at his side?

The Fallout Ahead

In the coming weeks, expect shockwaves to hit every corner of Salem. Sarah’s attempt to move forward with Brady may accelerate—not out of love, but defiance. Gwen’s battle with Dmitri will intensify, pushing her closer to choices she can’t undo. And Xander will be forced to confront a truth he’s avoided for years: redemption and desire rarely walk the same path.

Whether this reunion becomes a full-blown affair or collapses under its own weight, one thing is certain—Xander’s night with Gwen was not a footnote. It was a fuse.