Days of Our Lives Recap - Thursday, June 26, 2025 | Xander Declares War While Gabi Puts Johnny in the Hot Seat

On Thursday’s episode of Days of Our Lives, Xander went full Highlander over custody, Gabi had a lightbulb moment that could blow Johnny’s world wide open, and Marlena found herself smack in the middle of more than one family crisis. Let’s unpack the drama with a heaping dose of attitude.

Xander, Sarah and Victoria | DAYS, Peacock

Xander’s Ready to Lawyer Up and Burn It Down

Xander spotted Sarah and came in hot with his daddy rights, demanding to see Victoria. Sarah, no fool, stood her ground like a queen. But when Xander threatened to file for full custody, she basically laughed in his face. He threw around shady little warnings about bringing out the “big guns,” and Sarah was like, bring it, buster.

Their shouting match was so loud, Maggie and Julie had to rush in like referees. Maggie was mortified, Julie was confused, and Xander — bless his sad little face — looked crushed when they wouldn't commit to voting his way on the hospital board. Sarah stormed off, done with the drama, and Xander slinked away with his pride barely intact.

Gabi Remembers Everything — and Johnny Better Watch His Back

Johnny showed up late to a meeting with Gabi, acting all kinds of stressed. Gabi wasn’t having his attitude but softened when he admitted he was under pressure. The two got their work groove on, and just as things were going smoothly, Johnny casually dropped a phrase that flipped Gabi’s switch.

The moment he said, “It’s what you deserve,” Gabi froze like a deer in the DiMera headlights. Suddenly, she remembered it — the night EJ was shot, Johnny screaming those exact words, and EJ begging him not to pull the trigger. Girl didn’t waste time. She faked a headache, bailed on the meeting, and called Rafe in full panic mode. Looks like someone’s memory just put Johnny on a direct path to a jail cell.

EJ and Belle Mix Courtroom Chaos With Bedroom Games

Belle paid EJ a visit to get the scoop on how Kristen’s mother was found, and of course, it all circled back to deals with Brady and the hospital board. Belle wasn’t thrilled about any of it, especially the disappearing memory card that could prove who shot EJ. EJ, clearly unbothered, shrugged it off and moved on to what he really wanted — a little quality time with Belle upstairs.

But don’t let the smooth talk fool you. The second Belle left the room, EJ’s face went from flirty to frozen. He replayed Johnny’s threats, the missing card, and you could practically see the suspicion crawling up his spine. EJ may be pretending it’s all fine, but the man is shook.

Marlena’s Got Grandson Drama and Rachel Secrets

Marlena wasn’t just juggling her emotions — she was managing everybody else's too. She had it out with Brady over Rachel’s trauma and learned the hard way that the truth about the shooting is more tangled than a soap villain’s family tree. She’s heartbroken that EJ thinks Johnny tried to kill him, and she’s worried sick about her grandson unraveling.

Meanwhile, Brady is trying to keep it together while co-parenting with Kristen and accepting help from Sarah, who has somehow managed to remain graceful despite raising Rachel for a year and giving her up. Marlena offered support to both Sarah and Johnny, but let’s be honest — the woman needs a spa day and a glass of wine, not another secret to keep.

Gabi Chic Might Save Johnny’s Career — or Blow It Up

While brainstorming a budget-friendly campaign, Johnny decided Gabi should be the face of Gabi Chic, and let’s just say, she didn’t hate the idea. Johnny’s creativity impressed her, and they actually worked like a dream team — until his fateful slogan triggered her memory.

Now that Gabi’s figured out who was arguing with EJ the night he was shot, things could spiral fast. If she tells Rafe everything, Johnny’s stylish little career could end in an orange jumpsuit. Forget fashion — it’s all about who’s going to prison next on Days of Our Lives.

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