The latest Days of Our Lives recap for September 4, 2025, delivered explosive confrontations, courtroom drama, and shocking family betrayals. Marlena’s struggle with secrets, Johnny’s rejection of EJ, and Kristen’s sentencing kept Salem on edge. Meanwhile, Gabi sharpened her claws as Xander and Philip’s uneasy alliance shifted the corporate battlefield.
Marlena Struggles With Secrets
Marlena woke disturbed after dreaming about Rachel’s shocking role in EJ’s shooting. She urged Belle to show mercy during Kristen’s sentencing, though Belle still condemned Kristen’s choices. Their tense exchange revealed Marlena’s heavy burden, as she continued to cover for EJ’s insistence on silence.
Later, EJ confronted Marlena directly. He pressured her to stay quiet about Rachel, despite her guilt over withholding the truth from Brady. Marlena reluctantly agreed to keep the secret, though her regret was clear. The weight of Kristen’s actions loomed heavily on Marlena’s conscience, setting the stage for emotional fallout.
Days of Our Lives Recap: Johnny Turns His Back on EJ
Johnny returned from a promising meeting at Salem U and excitedly shared his teaching opportunity with Chanel. Their happiness was quickly overshadowed when EJ arrived, eager to claim victory in court. Johnny, however, had no interest in EJ’s manipulations.
Despite EJ’s insistence that his defense tactics worked, Johnny rejected him outright. He admitted he still loved his father but couldn’t tolerate the betrayal against Belle and Chanel. Johnny asked EJ to stay away, cutting deep ties with his father in a moment of painful resolve.
Xander and Philip Face Off
Xander pressed Philip to make him co-CEO, leveraging Victor’s forged letter as a bargaining chip. Philip stunned him by refusing and dramatically faking a choking fit to test Xander’s loyalty. After Xander performed the Heimlich, Philip revealed the trick was deliberate.
Though furious, Xander agreed to reset their relationship. Philip admitted he wanted to see if Xander would save him despite their rivalry. Their new understanding paved the way for a fresh, though uneasy, alliance. Yet trouble lingered, as Xander later discovered Gabi’s planted listening device.
Days of Our Lives Recap: Gabi Plots With Tony
Gabi overheard Xander and Philip’s private conversation through her hidden bug. Thrilled by the intel, she rushed to Tony, eager to leverage it. Tony deduced the recordings could shatter the takeover and return DiMera Enterprises to family hands.
Although tempted to reveal everything immediately, Gabi agreed to Tony’s plan of delaying for maximum impact. She reminded him of their bargain—her rise to CEO must follow. As she left, Tony reveled in the brewing chaos, leaving viewers eager for his next move.
Chanel Considers Adoption Again
Chanel confided in Brady about her lingering disappointment over losing the chance to adopt Tate and Sophia’s baby. Adoption remained on her heart, but she wasn’t sure of the future. Brady comforted her before leaving her deep in thought.
Shortly after, Chanel stumbled upon news about a baby left at the firehouse. With the waiting period over, the infant was officially up for adoption. This new twist reignited Chanel’s hope and hinted at a possible new chapter in her and Johnny’s journey.
Days of Our Lives Recap: Kristen Learns Her Sentence
In a tense courtroom, Belle, Johnny, and Kristen awaited the judge’s ruling. Johnny surprisingly urged leniency, while EJ’s written plea also asked for compassion. Brady, however, demanded the harshest punishment possible, claiming Rachel needed protection from Kristen’s destructive influence.
Kristen attempted to justify her confession as a lesson for Rachel, but her words rang hollow. The judge delivered a six-year prison sentence—harsher than Belle hoped, yet lighter than Brady demanded. Kristen’s tearful reaction marked the end of her freedom and another Salem chapter.
This episode of Days of Our Lives Recap for September 4, 2025, brought heartbreak, betrayal, and shifting power plays. Kristen’s fate is sealed, Johnny shut EJ out, and Gabi prepared her next strike. Stay tuned with Soap Opera Daily for more dramatic recaps and updates from Salem.