In true Days of Our Lives fashion, just when fans thought they’d seen every twist Salem could throw their way, a single moment has reignited a storm of speculation. Actress AnnaLynne McCord,

who plays the enigmatic Cat Greene, has hinted that her mysterious recognition of Sami Brady (played by longtime fan favorite Alison Sweeney) may be far more than

a fleeting glance—it could be the spark that changes everything. The speculation began after the June 5th episode, when Cat’s eyes landed on a photo of Sami in Marlena Evans’ apartment.

It was a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, but sharp-eyed fans immediately caught it and took to social media to dissect its meaning. “Wait, Cat knows Sami?!!!” one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter), igniting a wildfire of theories that continue to grow each week.

In an interview with The TV Water Cooler, McCord confirmed that the brief scene was not a coincidence. “The aspect of the recognition of Sami that you picked up on—and maybe not everyone got the importance of that moment—I will tell you that it is an extremely important moment and it will have a callback. Pay attention!” she teased. Her tone was careful but charged with the kind of excitement that Days actors often have when they know a major reveal is just around the corner.

McCord went on to drop another tantalizing hint about how this revelation could ripple through Salem. “It plays a role in what could come between a potential Cat and Chad (Billy Flynn) moment,” she admitted. “I think I can tease that! I’ll sprinkle that in and give you nothing else!” The cryptic comment sent fans into a frenzy, suggesting that whatever Cat’s connection to Sami may be, it could have a direct impact on her budding relationship with Chad DiMera—a romance that’s been teetering between passion and heartbreak from the start.

If there’s one thing Days of Our Lives fans know, it’s that nothing in Salem happens by accident. The idea that Cat might have known Sami before her recent arrival has opened the floodgates of theories. Some fans on X believe the two women share a hidden past, with one viewer speculating, “When Sami returns again, are they going to go back to why Cat thought she looked familiar? Maybe they knew each other before Cat’s accident?” Another user wrote, “I’m glad Sami’s coming back. She needs to be there for Marlena and Johnny. I hope we find out how Cat knows her.”

And indeed, Sami Brady’s long-awaited return is on the horizon. According to NBC and Days of Our Lives producers, Alison Sweeney will reprise her iconic role as part of a special storyline celebrating the show’s 60th anniversary. On-screen, Sami’s homecoming will coincide with the Dr. Tom Horton Free Clinic Gala—a tribute to her late stepfather John Black’s charitable legacy. But as every Days fan knows, wherever Sami goes, drama follows.

The gala promises to be a star-studded Salem event, drawing several beloved characters back into the fold. Among them are Sami’s twin brother, Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan), her son Will Horton (Chandler Massey), and legacy couple Jack and Jennifer Deveraux (Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves). The Horton family reunion will extend even further, with Mike Horton (Roark Critchlow) and Lucas Horton (Bryan Dattilo) returning, adding to the emotional depth and nostalgia of the occasion.

Additional fan-favorite returns will include Andrew Donovan (Colton Little) and his husband Paul Narita (Christopher Sean), Eli and Lani Grant (Lamon Archey and Sal Stowers), and the beloved original cast member Marie Horton (Maree Cheatham). It’s a lineup that has long-time viewers thrilled and newer audiences eager to see how these returning figures will fit into the modern tapestry of Salem’s ever-twisting storylines.

But the question remains—where does Cat Greene fit into this intricate puzzle? Since her debut, McCord’s character has been shrouded in mystery. Her sharp intelligence, guarded demeanor, and hints of a painful past have kept fans guessing about her true motivations. Could her connection to Sami Brady be the missing piece that explains her secrets?

Some viewers believe Cat’s story may intersect with one of Sami’s past schemes or hidden chapters. Given Sami’s storied history—from high-stakes cons to secret children and decades-long grudges—there’s no shortage of possible ties. Perhaps Cat is an old ally from one of Sami’s European escapades, or maybe a victim of one of her infamous manipulations. Others think the link could be deeply personal—connected to Marlena, John, or even EJ DiMera, creating new emotional stakes for both women.

McCord’s portrayal of Cat has quickly become a highlight of the show, earning her praise for bringing a fresh yet complex energy to the canvas. Her chemistry with Billy Flynn’s Chad DiMera has been undeniable, drawing both curiosity and caution from longtime fans who remember Chad’s tragic history with Abigail. If Cat’s connection to Sami leads to revelations that threaten her budding romance with Chad, the fallout could reignite old wounds within the DiMera family—especially if secrets and betrayals come to light.

Behind the scenes, Days of Our Lives continues to build on its legacy of intertwining classic characters with new faces, ensuring that every storyline feels like part of a larger, living history. Executive producer Ken Corday has hinted in past interviews that the show’s milestone anniversary will “honor the past while shaping the future,” which makes this Cat–Sami connection perfectly timed to bridge eras.

As for McCord, she’s clearly relishing her role in stirring the pot. Known for her sharp wit and bold performances, the actress brings both strength and vulnerability to Cat—qualities that mirror Sami’s own duality. It’s no wonder fans are eager to see these two powerhouse characters collide. “It’s such an honor to step into Salem’s world,” McCord previously shared. “There’s so much history here, and I can promise you—Cat’s story is only just beginning.”

With Sami’s return set to bring fireworks to the Horton Gala and whispers of long-buried secrets resurfacing, the stage is set for an explosive reunion that could reshape relationships across Salem. Will Cat and Sami find themselves allies—or enemies? And how will Chad handle the truth once it comes out?

One thing is certain: in the unpredictable world of Days of Our Lives, every glance carries meaning, every connection hides a secret, and every reunion promises a reckoning. As McCord said herself—fans would be wise to pay very, very close attention.