Salem is about to be shaken to its very core as one of the most explosive confrontations in Days of Our Lives history plays out. For fans who have been following the tangled history between Theo Carver and JJ Deveraux, the coming weeks promise nothing short of a psychological roller coaster. The long-buried trauma of a tragic shooting resurfaces when Theo lays eyes on JJ holding a firearm once again, unleashing a flood of memories that are impossible for him to suppress. What begins as a seemingly ordinary moment quickly escalates into a dramatic turning point that could ignite a chain of revenge, distrust, and heartbreak across Salem.

The heart of this storyline lies in Theo’s terrifying reaction when he spots JJ armed and in uniform. For anyone else, it may be just a routine sight—an officer doing his job. But for Theo, it’s a nightmare come alive. The gleam of the weapon, the firm grip of JJ’s hand, the memory of pain—all of it converges in a split second, catapulting him back to that fateful day when JJ shot him. His breathing quickens, his muscles lock, and terror races through his veins like ice. Viewers will witness Theo’s trauma raw and unfiltered, a haunting reminder that some wounds never truly heal.

What makes this moment even more devastating is how blindsided Theo is by it. He has spent years painstakingly trying to rebuild his life, reconstructing trust brick by fragile brick. But in an instant, those walls collapse. He is thrust back into survival mode, his mind replaying the darkest chapter of his past. This isn’t just a flashback—it’s the reopening of a wound he believed had scarred over. The horror in Theo’s eyes speaks volumes, and Salem will feel the aftershocks of this psychological earthquake.

The ripple effect begins almost immediately. Detective Jada Hunter is pulled directly into the heart of the storm when Theo approaches her in desperation. His voice trembles as he warns her of the dangers of JJ’s return to active duty. Jada, initially skeptical, soon realizes she’s witnessing something far deeper than a simple workplace concern. She notes his nervous glances, his trembling hands, his inability to even speak JJ’s name without faltering. These are not the behaviors of a man overreacting—they’re the signals of someone grappling with severe trauma.

For Jada, this revelation forces a professional and personal reckoning. She’s torn between her role as a detective sworn to support her colleagues and her growing concern for Theo’s mental well-being. Her instincts scream that Theo’s pain is real, that the past incident left scars too deep to ignore. But supporting Theo may mean going against JJ—and possibly questioning the police department itself. Were the right steps taken after the shooting? Did anyone truly check to see if Theo and JJ received the help they needed? Or did the department simply sweep it under the rug to move forward? Jada may soon realize that Salem PD’s eagerness to put the past behind them could be the very reason they are facing such a dangerous situation now.

The haunting memories of that day return to the forefront. JJ, in the line of duty, pulled the trigger and changed both their lives forever. For Theo, the physical recovery was long and grueling, but the psychological damage was even more insidious. Small things—a uniform, the crackle of a radio, the smell of leather—can drag him back into that moment. But nothing, nothing compares to seeing JJ with a gun in his hand. It’s not just fear; it’s terror that robs him of peace, fueling mistrust in everyone around him.

And yet, JJ is completely oblivious to the depth of Theo’s suffering. Believing enough time has passed, JJ tries to extend an olive branch. He approaches Theo with what he believes to be a sincere apology, hoping to finally bury the hatchet. His words are carefully chosen, his demeanor earnest. But his perception of the situation is miles away from Theo’s reality. JJ sees forgiveness where there is only restraint, reconciliation where there is simmering anger. Theo, polite but visibly shaken, does his best to mask his inner turmoil, even as his mind screams in protest at the idea of engaging with the man who upended his life.

This disconnect between JJ’s assumptions and Theo’s truth sets the stage for a dangerous escalation. Beneath Theo’s calm surface, a storm is brewing. No longer willing to simply avoid JJ or bury his pain, Theo begins to channel his anguish into something darker: revenge. His mission is clear—he doesn’t just want JJ to apologize, he wants to dismantle his career and ensure he can never wield power over anyone else again. Theo’s plan isn’t rash or impulsive; it’s calculated. He knows police protocols, understands how to undermine reputations, and is ready to play a long game that could strip JJ of his badge forever.

Theo may start small, documenting every mistake JJ makes, sowing seeds of doubt among his colleagues, and slowly isolating him within the force. But the deeper Theo descends into this revenge plot, the more dangerous it becomes—not just for JJ, but for Theo himself. His obsession threatens to consume him, blurring the line between justice and vengeance. The result is a psychological chess match with stakes higher than anyone in Salem realizes.

Jada finds herself in the middle of it all. As she pieces together fragments of truth, she begins to see the bigger picture: this isn’t just about JJ and Theo. It’s about the ripple effects of trauma, the failures of institutions, and the personal battles that simmer beneath the surface. Her choices in the weeks ahead could determine whether Salem averts disaster—or plunges into chaos.

But the Theo-JJ showdown isn’t the only drama brewing. As the September 15th–26th episodes unfold, Salem will also be rocked by fresh twists and turns. Jada herself faces an unsettling encounter when JJ warns her about choices she’s been making, raising questions of loyalty and trust. EJ DiMera, often ruthless, shows a surprising vulnerability as he grows close to newcomer Cat Green, though fans know that every bond in Salem comes with hidden motives. Meanwhile, young Thomas DiMera shocks his father Chad with a tough question, hinting at unresolved family pain.

Elsewhere, Sarah finds herself in emotional turmoil at Victoria’s birthday party. What should have been a simple celebration turns complicated as she sees a softer side of Xander, reigniting old feelings. But Philip’s lies muddy the waters further, creating a tangled mess of love, betrayal, and confusion. Sarah’s eventual plea for forgiveness from Xander could open the door to reconciliation, but trust once broken is never easily repaired.

By the end of these two explosive weeks, Salem will be at a crossroads. Theo’s revenge plot simmers dangerously, JJ struggles with guilt he doesn’t fully understand, Jada wrestles with loyalty versus justice, and love stories twist with lies and longing. The question that lingers is chilling: will Theo’s quest for revenge destroy not just JJ, but himself and everyone connected to them?

One thing is certain—Days of Our Lives is delivering high-stakes drama that blends romance, betrayal, and heart-stopping suspense. Viewers should brace themselves, because Salem is about to ignite like never before.