Days of Our Lives Weekly Predictions: Stefano’s Return, Mind Control Mayhem, and New Romance for Theo & Ari
Soap Dirt Predictions by Belinda | Week of July 28 – August 2, 2025
The world of Days of Our Lives is never short on drama, and this week’s Soap Dirt prediction edition offers some wild and thrilling possibilities—from Stefano’s ominous “return,” to Marina’s terrifying mind control relapse, and the beginning of a new love story for a recently aged-up Ariana. Here’s your full breakdown of everything fans need to watch for in Salem next week.
1. EJ and the “New Stefano” – A Dangerous Alliance Forms
EJ DiMera is making moves—and this week’s spoilers and promo clues point to something darker than corporate scheming. There’s growing evidence that he may be working alongside a new version of his father, the infamous Stefano DiMera.
Of course, the original Stefano—portrayed by the late Joseph Mascolo—is long dead. But Days of Our Lives has never let death be a permanent barrier, especially when it comes to DiMera plotting. The show previously brought Stefano back in the form of “Stefano” (Steve Johnson implanted with Stefano’s memories), and now there are whispers of another resurrection, but with a fresh twist.
🔹 Key Clues:
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Marina confesses a “Queen of the Night” dream to Kayla.
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Susan warns EJ mid-week—then by Friday, EJ teases “big plans.”
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Susan also claims she can now speak to the dead… while standing beneath Stefano’s portrait.
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Rafe tells Cat that Stefano was called “The Phoenix” for a reason—hinting at resurrection.
If EJ is conspiring with someone harboring Stefano’s mind—or even a clone (remember Dr. Rolf’s embryo experiments?)—then his acquisition of University Hospital could be tied to sinister scientific projects. Dr. Rolf might already have a new Stefano vessel, and EJ could be helping him reclaim the DiMera empire, starting with control of the hospital’s resources.
2. Marina Under Mind Control—Again?
Marina’s recent fainting spells, emotional instability, and eerie dreams may not be just grief or exhaustion—they could signal a relapse into mind control.
🔹 Key Clues:
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Marina collapses in her apartment and later faints in court.
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Sarah finds nothing physically wrong—but Susan senses her mind, body, and soul are “ill.”
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Marina reads the Arabian Nights to Rachel, the same book Stefano once used for mental manipulation.
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Kayla grows increasingly concerned after hearing about Marina’s dreams and possible conditioning.
Without John to protect her (following his death), Marina may be vulnerable to old enemies—and possibly Stefano’s spiritual or scientific return. Fans fear a third demonic possession arc, recalling the previous controversial storylines involving Doug, Marina, and Johnny. But this may lean more toward psychological control than supernatural horror.
Whether through hypnosis or something more sinister, Marina could again fall under Stefano’s influence—and no one may realize it until it’s too late.
3. Theo Returns to Salem—And Falls for Ariana?
Love might be blossoming in Salem between two legacy characters: Theo Carver and an aged-up Ariana Horton.
🔹 Key Clues:
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Ari is sticking around post-summer, and her recent split with “Doug 3” left her single.
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Abe and Paulina received calls from Theo and Claire about their breakup.
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In the promo, Ari encourages Sophia to move on from Tate—signaling her own emotional growth and availability.
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Theo and Claire’s split was mentioned, possibly to pave the way for Theo’s return.
If Theo does return, he could fill a glaring romantic gap for Ari. Despite the ten-year age difference (Theo born in 2003, Ari in 2013), Days has aged Ari to 18 and Theo is in his early 20s—making the match plausible. Doug 3 was about Theo’s age, so the show has already dipped its toes into that kind of pairing.
Expect sparks to fly if Theo lands back in Salem—and potentially drama if Claire also reappears.
4. Gabby’s Search for Stefan May Ruin Stephanie’s Life
A major twist is brewing as Gabby hires Steve Johnson for a new private investigation—and it may unintentionally destroy his daughter Stephanie’s happiness.
🔹 Key Clues:
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Gabby wants Steve to track down Stefan. This could start with looking into his twin Jake’s past in Philly, or new leads in New York.
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Steve confides in Kayla, hinting that he’s discovered something devastating for Stephanie.
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That “something” might be Joy Wesley—who left town months ago pregnant with Alex’s child.
If Steve finds Joy—pregnant and hiding the truth—it could blow up Stephanie and Alex’s fairy-tale romance. Joy had previously lied to both of them, claiming she wasn’t expecting Alex’s baby. But if Steve discovers the truth, Stephanie’s world could implode.
Brace for a reveal involving baby mama drama, lies, and shattered trust.
5. Brady Makes a Move on Sarah—But It May Break His Heart
Brady Black is inching closer to Sarah Horton, thanks to their growing connection and her bond with his daughter Rachel. But a kiss may send him spiraling.
🔹 Key Clues:
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Sarah confronts Sophia about lying to Brady and Tate regarding the baby’s sex.
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Later in the week, Sarah and Brady grow closer.
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In the summer promo, Gwen and Xander catch Sarah and Brady in an embrace—and Sarah kisses Brady.
But don’t be fooled—Sarah’s kiss appears to be a calculated move to provoke Xander. While Brady may fall for her in earnest, Sarah’s heart may still belong to Xander, creating another painful triangle.
Brady is in for heartache, especially given his track record of unlucky love (remember Ava leaving due to Rachel’s manipulation?). His emotional vulnerability, combined with Sarah’s mixed signals, could lead to yet another broken relationship.
Final Thoughts: The Phoenix Rises & Chaos Follows
This week’s Days of Our Lives predictions point to huge upheaval:
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A possibly resurrected Stefano could turn Salem upside down (again).
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Marina may be losing herself to mind control—potentially setting up a haunting twist.
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Theo and Ari might be Salem’s next star-crossed couple.
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Stephanie’s love story is on the verge of devastation thanks to hidden paternity.
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And Brady? He’s walking head-first into another emotional trap.
Salem never sleeps—and the DiMeras never die. If EJ is truly conspiring to bring his father back (in mind, memory, or clone), the chaos to come could alter the very DNA of the show.
