Days of Our Lives Recap - Monday, July 21, 2025 | Leo & Gwen Face Off as Tate Gets Baby News from Sophia

Chaos ruled Salem on Monday’s Days of Our Lives as Gwen kept a secret plan close to her chest, Ari’s terrifying kidnapping ended with a heart-pounding rescue, and Xander and Philip proved Titan is still a powder keg waiting to blow. Meanwhile, Leo got tangled up in guilt and drama while Tate accidentally became Holly’s hero and got some unexpected baby news.

Tate | DAYS, Peacock

Gwen and Leo’s Explosive Showdown

In Horton Square, Gwen ran into Leo and their reunion was anything but friendly. Leo poked at her temper, sarcastically suggesting she teach Salem a lesson after lifting a necklace from a frail grandma (Julie). Gwen clapped back, saying she has her own scheme and would never trust the man who torched her marriage. Leo claimed he’d crawl through glass to make things right, but Gwen reminded him his betrayal cut so deep it can’t be undone. She begrudgingly admitted Javi had been a blessing in Leo's life, though Leo doubted her sincerity. Before storming off, Leo promised to uncover whatever she was hiding in his next Spectator exposé.

Ari’s Nightmare and Tate’s Hero Moment

Javi was having a quiet moment with the baby when Gabi came home with shocking news: Ari had been kidnapped. Javi vowed they would get her back as Gabi clung to hope. Leo, fressh from his meeting with Gwen, offered support but couldn’t hide the tension with Gabi. Soon word came that Ari had been found, sparking a rush to the scene.

Locked in a room with Holly, Ari tried to escape through an air duct only to get stuck. Tate heard their screams, busted down the door, and freed Holly, earning her gratitude and a heartfelt kiss later. Rafe arrived to save Ari, but the duct collapsed before Javi swooped in to pull her out. Ari finally regained consciousness in her mother’s arms as they exchanged emotional I love yous. Rafe assured everyone Ari was safe and headed to the hospital. Just when Tate thought he could breathe, he checked his phone and discovered Sophia was in labor.

Titan Tensions Boil Over

Over at Titan, Johnny arrived to record Philip’s statement, sparking another round of tension between Xander and Philip. Johnny assured Philip he’d beat the charges hanging over his head. 

Xander pushed to get Johnny out of Titan now that he was cozy with EJ, but Philip shut him down, praising Johnny’s storytelling skills. Once the dust settled, Philip suggested shipping Xander off to Hong Kong, knowing Sarah would approve. Alone with baby Victoria, Xander ranted about how Philip was getting under his skin and vowed to find a creative way to deal with him since more direct methods were off the table.

Gwen Sets Her Sights on Salem

After the emotional whirlwind, Gwen returned home, removed Julie’s diamond necklace, and locked it away with a sly grin. She promised Salem was only getting a taste of what she had planned and warned the town to brace itself for what’s coming next. 

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