After a week of drama in Salem, the Days of our Lives spoilers for July 21-25, 2025, tease the beginning of Johnny’s trial, worries for Paulina, and Xander’s surprising moves plus, so much more!
Weekly Recap
Monday, July 14, 2025 – Episode #15160
A Letter, A Necklace, and A Terrifying Turn
Sophia (Rachel Boyd) poured her conflicted emotions into a heartfelt letter to her son, unsure if she’d ever find the courage to send it. Later that day, fate threw her into a whirlwind when she spotted him—Doug III (Peyton Meyer) in Horton Square, accompanied by Leo (Greg Rikaart) and Javi (Al Calderon), exchanging tense glances and hushed words. Desperate and out of options, Doug III made a reckless deal with the thug he owed: in exchange for erasing his mounting debt, he’d hand over Julie’s (Susan Seaforth Hayes) priceless necklace—an heirloom that once symbolized family honor, now tarnished by betrayal.
Elsewhere, after Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) lovingly sent Holly (Ashley Puzemis) off on her day and Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) kissed Ari (Marissa Reyes) goodbye, the unthinkable happened. Both girls were violently kidnapped at gunpoint by Doug’s creditor, throwing Salem into chaos.
Back at the office, Xander (Paul Telfer) struggled to juggle work and fatherhood, bringing young Victoria in tow. When Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) arrived, sparks flew. The former couple’s unresolved tensions erupted into an argument—interrupted only by Gabi’s sudden entrance. Ultimately, Sarah relented and agreed to let Xander watch Victoria at work, setting up a fragile truce.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 – Episode #15161
Secrets in Salem and a Sinister Plan Unfolds
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) and Belle (Martha Madison), still raw from their night together, found themselves at odds over Johnny’s (Carson Boatman) rapidly escalating legal case. The emotional distance between them widened with every harsh word, proving passion can’t always overcome principle.
Doug III, growing more desperate, disguised himself as a waiter at the Salem Inn in a last-ditch effort to retrieve the necklace from Gwen’s (Emily O’Brien) room. But Gwen, always sharp, refused him entry, shutting down his plan. Left with no choice, Doug confronted the thug directly, furious about the girls’ kidnapping and demanding to know what had gone too far. Meanwhile, in a dimly lit room somewhere outside of town, Holly and Ari tried and failed to escape their captors. During their emotional breakdown, they made a stunning confession: both had been romantically involved with Doug. Their shared pain added new layers to the already tangled web—and raised serious questions about just how deep Doug’s betrayals ran.
Back in Salem, Tate (Leo Howard) sensed something was wrong. When Holly failed to check in, he turned to Doug for answers—only to be met with feigned ignorance. Kristen (Stacy Haiduk), meanwhile, opened her doors to Gwen, allowing her to stay at the DiMera mansion… though her motives remain unclear.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 – Episode #15162
Balancing Acts, Buried Books, and Brewing Tensions
Xander struggled to balance his dual roles as father and businessman. With Victoria underfoot at the office, he barely held it together—until Gabi stepped in, bringing calm and warmth to the overwhelmed toddler, and giving Xander a moment of peace. At the same time, Thomas (Cary Christopher) invited Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) to join him and Chad (Billy Flynn) for a spontaneous game of baseball. The unexpected outing stirred awkward chemistry between Chad and Cat, reminding them both of what had been left unspoken.
Stephanie (Abigail Klein) was busy creating a new identity through her pseudonym when Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) stumbled upon the manuscript One Stormy Night on her tablet. Kayla, amused but curious, revealed she’d read the story when it had been secretly passed around the hospital. Her discovery left Stephanie both flustered and exposed.
Meanwhile, Rafe (Galen Gering) met with Cat to discuss EJ and a growing suspicion: the hospital’s mysterious purchase had been assisted by a silent partner—one who may hold more power than anyone realized.
Thursday, July 17, 2025 – Episode #15163
Desperate Measures and Shifting Loyalties
Tate finally confronted Doug III, refusing to back down as he demanded the truth. Their conversation, emotionally charged and hostile, ended in a cloud of unanswered questions and unresolved tension.
Elsewhere, Holly and Ari’s fear intensified. Isolated, terrified, and running out of time, the girls clung to each other for strength as the reality of their situation grew darker by the hour.
Back in Salem, Gabi’s world shattered when she realized Ari never made it to the lake. Panic turned to determination as she launched a frantic search, rallying anyone who might help bring her daughter home.
Belle and EJ found themselves knee-deep in the exhausting process of jury selection. As they evaluated potential jurors and played mental chess over trial strategy, it became clear: one misstep could tip the scales of justice and seal Johnny’s fate.
Meanwhile, Sophia attempted to manipulate Amy Choi by spinning a narrative filled with omissions and half-truths. But as the walls started to close in, it became harder for her to keep the lies straight—and harder still to ignore the consequences of her deception.
Friday, July 18, 2025 – Episode #15164
Tensions Explode as the Search Grows Urgent
The manhunt for Ari and Holly reached fever pitch. Friends and family members mobilized across Salem, racing against time to find the missing teens before tragedy struck.
Gabi, emotionally exhausted and riddled with guilt, found unexpected comfort in Xander’s arms. His quiet strength gave her a moment to breathe, even as her heart ached with the uncertainty of her daughter’s fate.
Sophia, once so sure of her manipulations, began to falter. As the impact of her actions became clear, doubt crept in—leaving her shaken and unsure whether to come clean or double down.
Meanwhile, tension surged when Cat and Chad ran into each other unexpectedly. The encounter was awkward, heavy with unresolved feelings and fragile boundaries, suggesting their story is far from over.
In a surprising twist, Tate and Doug III turned to Rafe for help, putting aside their animosity in a desperate bid to bring Holly and Ari home. Whether Rafe can uncover the truth in time remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.
