Days of our Lives Recap, July 4, 2025: EJ orders Kristen to coach Rachel's testimony

Here's your Days of our Lives recap for what happened in Salem on Friday, July 4, 2025.

What happened on Days of our Lives

At Stephanie’s apartment, she told Alex that she might do PR work for EJ. “Didn’t you tell me this guy had you kidnapped?” Alex asked. Stephanie explained that although she loathed EJ if she helped him, it would help the hospital and her mother. Alex told Stephanie that it was not worth it. Stephanie said she was not afraid and that she planned to meet with EJ before she made a decision. Alex suggested that Stephanie quit working in PR and become a writer full time. Stephanie said that she was not ready to give up her PR work because she enjoyed it.

“Full transparency. Titan is struggling. And I think your book is exactly what we need to turn everything around for all of us,” Alex said. “In other words, you want this for you,” Stephanie said. Alex stressed that he wanted that future for them both.

At the pub, Roman asked Kate about Philip. “Philip is thrilled to be out of the hospital. So how about you? How are you doing?” Kate asked. Roman insisted he was fine, but Kate pointed out that Roman had been tossing and turning in bed all night. “Are you still blaming yourself for Johnny's predicament?” Kate asked. Roman said he did. Kate reminded Roman that Johnny had claimed he was innocent of the shooting.

“I know he is. However, I sure as hell didn’t do him any favors by wiping the prints off that gun and concealing it,” Roman said. “You were trying to protect your grandson,” Kate stressed. Roman said it did not matter, because he had made everything worse. Kate told Roman that he had made the right choice in having talked to the police. “We both know [EJ will] fight like hell for his son,” Kate said. Roman lamented that he had been forced to drag Rachel into the situation.

“Too many people knew the truth,” Kate said. Roman thanked Kate for her support. Roman told Kate that he hoped she could pick up the slack at the pub for him during Johnny’s trial. “You can count on me,” Kate said. When Alex and Stephanie walked in, Alex said, “I thought you would have ditched the apron by now. You’re starting at Titan next week.” Kate declined the job because of Roman. Alex appealed to Kate.

“Alex is right. Your notes that you gave me were so smart and insightful,” Stephanie said. Kate raised her eyebrows. Embarrassed, Stephanie admitted that she was the author. Stephanie stressed that she had only agreed to let Alex publish the book because he had promised that Kate would help her edit it. Alex and Stephanie argued that it was clear that Kate loved the creative process, and that she should take the job for her benefit. Roman walked over. “Alex offered me a job at Titan, and I’ve decided to take it,” Kate said.

While Rachel was at the Fourth of July parade with a friend, Brady and Kristen talked in the penthouse about how to arrange for Rachel to talk to the police. Marlena overheard them, and Brady asked her for advice. “Advise her that all she needs to do is tell the truth,” Marlena said. “Yes, but I think we all know that Johnny did it,” Kristen said. Marlena stressed that she believed Johnny’s claim that he was innocent.

“Then why did his grandfather cover for him? Why didn’t Johnny come forward sooner?” Kristen asked. “He probably thought that no one would believe him,” Brady said. Kristen argued that Johnny’s story did not make sense. Brady countered that Johnny’s words of anger after the revelations about his conception did not mean he was a murderer. Kristen scoffed at the idea. Kristen reminded Brady that Will had shot EJ.

“Johnny and his brother have a lot in common,” Kristen said. “Stop it!” Marlena yelled. Upset, Marlena told Brady to text her when Kristen was gone, and she left the penthouse. “What the hell?” Brady growled at Kristen. Kristen said she refused to ignore the evidence. “[Rachel’s] testimony is going to send her cousin to prison for a very, very long time. And we are going to have to help her deal with that,” Kristen said. Brady warned Kristen not to get ahead of the situation.

“Rachel needs to know that we are both here for her,” Brady said. Brady asked her if Rachel could stay at the penthouse until after the trial. “To keep her away from EJ,” Brady said. Kristen agreed. Kristen asked for unrestricted visitation. Brady agreed, but he told Kristen to avoid Marlena because she was still struggling after John’s death.

At the police station, Belle was working in the interrogation room when Paulina walked in. Paulina informed Belle that the judge had reinstated Belle to the case. Belle was confused. Paulina added that EJ had managed to get the case moved up. When Paulina hinted that EJ had influenced the judge, Belle stressed that no matter what EJ had done, she would handle the case with integrity.

Abe knocked on the door to Chanel’s apartment. After a much-needed hug, Chanel told Abe that she was not ready to forgive her mother for having pushed for Johnny’s arrest. Abe reminded Chanel that Paulina was caught in a difficult situation as the mayor.

“Have faith that the jury will do right by [Johnny], and he’ll be acquitted,” Abe said. “I want to believe that, Abe. But I don’t know if I do,” Chanel confessed. Chanel shared with Abe her concerns that EJ would use the situation to reinsert himself into Johnny’s life. “That is the last thing that Johnny needs right now. The last thing I need,” Chanel said. Paulina dropped by, but Chanel was still mad at her. When Chanel asked if Paulina believed in Johnny’s innocence, she said she did not know. To calm the situation, Abe took Paulina by the hand and walked her out.

As Abe walked through the square with Paulina, he noted that Chanel needed to blame someone for Johnny’s situation. “Unfortunately, that someone is you,” Abe said. “I guess I’ll just have to ride it out,” Paulina said. Paulina told Abe that she was grateful that he was there for her and Chanel.

Belle went to the square to get a coffee, and she ran into Marlena. As Marlena started to repeat Kristen’s comments, Belle shut her down. Belle informed Marlena that she had been reinstated on the case. “Now I have to prosecute my nephew while I go toe to toe with my boyfriend,” Belle muttered. “Your boyfriend?” Marlena said. Belle reminded Marlena that she had advised her to follow her heart. When Belle returned to the police station, she found an envelope with a memory card inside it.

In the DiMera living room, Johnny met up with EJ to review the case. EJ informed Johnny about what Rachel had witnessed the night of the shooting. “No wonder she’s been acting so strangely toward me lately. That poor kid. She’s been keeping this a secret the whole time,” Johnny said. EJ admitted that he had convinced Kristen to keep Rachel quiet but that when Roman had turned in his gun, the police had learned about Rachel.

“I have been wracking my brain trying to remember things from that night, but my mind is blank. Are you sure you don’t recall seeing anyone on your way out?” EJ asked. Johnny said no. EJ recounted the list of people that had been at the house, and he focused on Kristen. “My memory is coming back to me in bits and pieces. Who knows what I’ll eventually remember about that night,” EJ said. Johnny urged EJ not to falsely accuse Kristen.

“If it’s not Kristen, then who could it be?” EJ said. “Maybe it’s somebody we haven’t considered yet,” Johnny suggested. EJ noted that he had given plenty of people a reason to want him dead. Johnny said he still could not believe that EJ had thought he was the shooter and that EJ had protected him. EJ told Johnny that he would always support him.

“I just wish your wife understood that I only want what’s best for you,” EJ said. EJ argued that Chanel wanted to turn Johnny against him. “She’s just trying to protect me. Same as you,” Johnny said. Johnny noted that Chanel would come around in time. “We can win this case on merit,” Johnny said. EJ noted that the evidence against Johnny was enough to secure a conviction, but he promised to do anything crazy.

After Johnny left, Kristen returned home. “I am so sorry the police found out what Rachel said,” Kristen said. Kristen explained that Rachel had talked in her sleep in front of Marlena. EJ asked Kristen if she planned to hold up her end of their deal. When Kristen argued that she could not keep Rachel from testifying, EJ suggested that she coach Rachel’s testimony. Kristen warned EJ not to hurt her mother or daughter, or EJ would regret it. “If my son goes to prison, Kristen, that might just have devastating consequences for you and the people you love,” EJ growled.

When Johnny returned home, Chanel told Johnny about Paulina’s visit. “The last thing that I want to do is come between you and your mom,” Johnny said. Chanel asked about Johnny’s meeting. Johnny said the case was going well. When Chanel pressed Johnny about his personal relationship with EJ, Johnny admitted that things were improving. Chanel said she was not happy about it, but she understood. “But please just promise me that you will keep your guard up around him,” Chanel said. “I promise,” Johnny said.

At the penthouse, Marlena apologized to Brady for having walked out on Kristen. “I’m sorry she upset you,” Brady said. Brady asked Marlena to join him and the kids for fireworks. “That sounds really nice. I think we could all use some cheering up right now,” Marlena said.

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