The streets of Salem have seen countless storms, betrayals, resurrections, and feuds—but nothing compares to the chaos that’s about to unfold during the week of December 15–19. According to the latest leaks, we are entering one of the darkest, most psychologically twisted chapters in the history of the DiMera dynasty. What begins as a mysterious disappearance soon spirals into a terrifying, calculated assault on the very core of the family Stefano built.

And the mastermind behind it all?
That answer will shock you.

Grab your tea, your martini, or whatever gets you through the madness—because this is not just another week in Salem. This is the week where the hunter becomes the hunted, where old shadows return, and where the legacy of Stefano DiMera rises from the grave in the most chilling way.

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Part 1 — EJ’s Worst Nightmare: Buried in His Own Legacy

EJ DiMera has always walked through Salem with the confidence of a king. In his mind, he is the rightful heir—the one meant to continue Stefano’s empire. But this week, that ego is violently shattered.

EJ wakes up deep inside the DiMera catacombs, the very place Stefano once used as his personal dungeon. No noise. No light. No doors. No power. He is trapped in a tomb surrounded by the ghosts of his family’s darkest deeds.

This is not a random kidnapping.
This is psychological warfare.

Whoever abducted EJ knows everything about the DiMera legacy. They want him to feel fear. They want him to feel helpless. Most importantly, they want him to feel the weight of Stefano’s shadow crushing him from every direction.

It’s symbolic. It’s twisted. It’s brilliant.

And it’s personal.

EJ has always believed he controls the chessboard, but here, he’s no longer the king. He’s a pawn trapped in the very hell his father created. When he emerges—if he emerges—this event could either deepen his cruelty… or completely destroy him.

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Part 2 — The Catacomb “Guest List”: A Kidnapping Too Calculated to Ignore

The nightmare doesn’t end with EJ. He’s not alone in the darkness. Four others wake up beside him:

• Kristen DiMera
• Chad DiMera
• Tony DiMera
• Theo Carver

This is not a random selection. This is a message.

Kristen — The Captor Becomes the Captive

Kristen is usually the mastermind behind kidnappings. For her to be captured means one thing:
this kidnapper does not fear her at all.

They may even be targeting her specifically. Kristen’s deepest weakness has always been her complicated hunger for family loyalty. Whoever orchestrated this knows exactly how to weaponize that.

Chad — The “Good DiMera” Dragged Back to Darkness

Chad has spent years trying to separate himself from the DiMera curse, building a life of morality and distance. But this kidnapping proves a harsh truth:
no one escapes DiMera blood.

Chad will likely be the calm voice while EJ spirals and Kristen lashes out, but even he won’t be able to avoid the emotional toll.

Tony — The One Who Knows Too Much

Tony carries decades of knowledge about Stefano’s games, manipulations, and secrets. His presence here is not a coincidence. He might be the key to understanding the entire scheme… or he might be the one the mastermind needs to silence.

Theo — The Innocent Pawn

Theo’s kidnapping is the most shocking. He has no major feuds, no enemies, no involvement in DiMera power struggles.

So why take him?

Because Theo is leverage.
The kidnapper knows Tony, Chad, and EJ would burn the world down to protect him. Theo’s presence gives the mastermind complete psychological control over the entire group.

It’s cruel.
It’s smart.
It’s pure DiMera style.

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Part 3 — The Return No One Expected: Peter Blake Reappears

Now here comes the twist that shakes the entire fandom—Peter Blake is returning, played by Dan Gauthier starting December 19.

For newer viewers wondering why the internet exploded:

Peter Blake is not just a forgotten name from the ’90s. He is:

• Stefano’s adoptive son
• Kristen’s biological brother
• A character molded by trauma, manipulation, and deep family scars

His timing is far too perfect to be accidental.

Theory 1 — Peter Returns as Kristen’s Savior

Perhaps he heard she was in danger. Perhaps old loyalty pulls him back to Salem. Maybe he wants to redeem himself and save his sister.

If this is true, brace yourself for an emotional, explosive rescue mission led by one very dangerous older brother.

Theory 2 — The Fan-Favorite Theory: Peter Is the Mastermind

This is the theory everyone is buzzing about—and with good reason.

Think about it:

• He knows the DiMera legacy better than most
• He has personal issues with the entire family
• He has disappeared for years, giving him time to plan
• Casting Dan Gauthier suggests a darker, more strategic version
• The choice of the catacombs is deeply symbolic for someone raised by Stefano

What if Peter isn’t returning as a hero…
but as a new dark prince ready to punish the family that forgot him?

This could be the start of a DiMera civil war unlike anything we’ve ever seen.

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Part 4 — Chaos Spreads Across Salem

While the DiMeras fight for survival underground, the rest of Salem is unknowingly getting pulled into the storm.

Chanel & Paulina — Fear Creeping Close

Chanel returns home to find Paulina strangely calm despite Theo’s disappearance. That calmness is protective—it’s the only way she knows how to keep Chanel grounded. But when she whispers the truth about multiple DiMeras missing, Chanel understands how close danger really is.

Johnny, unaware of the unfolding nightmare, is rushing back—and Chanel fears he’s walking right into a trap.

Holly Prepares for Paris

Holly packs for her trip to Paris, completely unaware that chaos is brewing around her. As Sarah talks with her about Tate and Xander, the emotional undercurrents are strong—but Holly can’t sense the storm heading toward Salem.

Brady’s New Beginning

Brady moves out of the townhouse and quietly settles into the mansion. He’s seeking stability, unaware he’s stepping into a building that may soon become ground zero for the DiMera crisis.

Rachel and Sophia’s Secret Escape

Meanwhile, Rachel and Sophia slip away into the night, launching yet another storyline that will inevitably intersect with the escalating tension tearing through the town.

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Conclusion — What Happens Next?

As December 19 approaches, the stakes rise higher than ever:

• Will EJ survive the psychological torture of the catacombs?
• Is Peter Blake truly the puppet master targeting every DiMera?
• Will the captives escape, or is a larger plan unfolding?
• And what happens when Johnny unknowingly returns to a Salem under siege?

One thing is certain:
This is shaping up to be the most shocking week of Days of Our Lives in years.