Salem is abuzz once again, and fans of Days of Our Lives are holding their collective breath. One of the town’s most cunning, enigmatic figures may be making her dramatic return: Sloan Peterson. With whispers of secret alliances, shadowy laboratories, and a growing web of deception, Sloan’s reemergence promises to ignite chaos, stir old flames, and rewrite the power dynamics in Salem.

For long-time viewers, Sloan isn’t just another lawyer; she’s a master of manipulation, a strategist with a complicated moral compass, and a woman whose vendettas have left indelible marks on Salem’s history. Her potential return now ties her to EJ DiMera and Gwen Rizzo von Loer, creating a sinister trio that could reshape the city’s landscape in ways both shocking and exhilarating.

Who Is Sloan Peterson?

Sloan’s history in Salem is as layered as it is dramatic. Introduced in 2022, portrayed by Jessica Surfetty with a brief stint by Natasha Hall, Sloan entered the scene as a sharp, calculating attorney with a hidden agenda. Her backstory is steeped in tragedy and moral ambiguity, forming the foundation for her complex arc.

Born Sloan Bedford to college professors Nathan and Martha Bedford, she grew up in a seemingly stable household. But cracks formed early, and tragedy struck when her mother died under suspicious circumstances during a rooftop altercation involving Chanel Depri. The incident, which involved blackmail and betrayal, left Sloan with a thirst for justice—and vengeance. This traumatic event planted the seeds for her eventual infiltration of Salem, seeking both retribution and closure.

Sloan’s arrival in Salem was explosive. A one-night stand with Alex Kiriakis quickly entwined her personal and professional life. She handled high-profile cases, including defending Leo Stark, but her true motive centered on revenge against Chanel and Paulina Price, whom she blamed for covering up her mother’s death. Her early storylines included tampering with evidence, orchestrating smear campaigns, and aligning with her brother Coen, creating a formidable duo of chaos.

Her arc took a romantic turn with Eric Brady, a former priest with a heart of gold. Their passionate relationship, marriage, and subsequent turmoil culminated in the infamous baby swap storyline, where Sloan, desperate to maintain her marriage after a miscarriage, orchestrated the exchange of Eric’s biological child with Nicole Walker’s. When the truth emerged in 2024, Sloan fled Salem, leaving a trail of heartbreak and unresolved tension.

EJ DiMera: The Catalyst for Chaos

Sloan’s connection to EJ DiMera is pivotal. Known for his cunning, charm, and ruthless ambition, EJ facilitated Sloan’s escape from justice, providing her with the resources to vanish. His motivations, as always, are multifaceted: self-preservation, strategic advantage, and leveraging Sloan’s insider knowledge of Salem’s power players. In this web of intrigue, Sloan owes EJ a debt—a debt that could be called in at any moment, and one that makes her return both plausible and dangerous.

Recent episodes have hinted at Sloan’s potential comeback, with characters referencing her past deeds, priming the audience for her return. Social media buzz confirms this anticipation, as fans speculate about how her fugitive status and unresolved tensions with Eric, Paulina, and Nicole might converge in Salem’s next explosive chapter.

Gwen Rizzo von Loer and the Secret Lab

The intrigue intensifies with Gwen Rizzo von Loer, whose own backstory is riddled with neglect, resentment, and cunning. Born to Jack Devo and Tiffany Rizzo, Gwen experienced a childhood of abandonment and hardship, which shaped her into a master strategist. Her earlier schemes included manipulating Abigail, engaging in love triangles, and seizing wealth and power through marriages, most notably to Dmitri von Loer.

Gwen’s 2025 return to Salem positions her as a key player in a clandestine operation alongside EJ. Rumors swirl about a secret laboratory at University Hospital, repurposed after EJ’s recent acquisitions. The lab, tied to the notorious Dr. Wilhelm Rolf, is reportedly conducting shocking experiments on deceased bodies—potentially resurrection plots or cloning schemes. Whispered connections to Stephano DiMera’s empty coffin only heighten speculation.

Gwen and EJ’s alliance is shrouded in secrecy. As EJ frets over the ambitious, morally dubious projects underway, Gwen reassures him, yet their partnership hints at hidden agendas, potential betrayals, and high-stakes manipulation.

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Sloan’s Role in the Lab Conspiracy

Where does Sloan fit into this high-stakes drama? As a fugitive with legal prowess and access to EJ’s resources, she could serve as a key operative in covering up the lab’s illicit activities. Her skills in document forgery, legal maneuvering, and strategic deception could protect the operation from law enforcement scrutiny.

Beyond professional utility, Sloan’s return intersects with deeply personal stakes. Her connection to Eric Brady remains unresolved, and a reentry into Salem could reignite romance, spark custody battles over Jude, and destabilize existing relationships. Picture Sloan entering Salem under the cover of night, meeting EJ in dimly lit tunnels, and vowing, “You gave me a lifeline; now it’s time to repay the favor.” This dramatic tension sets the stage for a cascade of emotional and ethical dilemmas.

Additionally, the potential for a toxic trio with Gwen and EJ introduces a powerhouse of manipulation. Together, they could target the Bradys, Kiriakises, or anyone who stands in their path, amplifying suspense and drawing viewers into a complex web of secrets and schemes.

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Fan Theories and Speculation

Fans are buzzing with speculation, fueled by Sloan’s recent mentions and the ongoing lab storyline. Some theories include:

• Sloan aiding Rolf in resurrecting a major figure, possibly Stephano DiMera.
• Using the lab for personal gain, such as cloning or altering a child to manipulate Eric.
• Orchestrating a covert return to Salem to exact revenge on her enemies or regain lost influence.

The dramatic potential is staggering. Sloan’s reappearance could trigger renewed conflicts, test Eric’s loyalties, ignite Nicole’s jealousy, and place Paulina and Chanel in jeopardy. Even EJ’s empire could be threatened if Sloan’s ambitions conflict with his.

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Emotional and Narrative Stakes

Sloan’s return isn’t just a plot twist—it’s a catalyst for emotional upheaval:

• Eric Brady faces unresolved feelings, loyalty conflicts, and potential romantic turmoil.
• Paulina Price and Chanel Depri confront threats from Sloan’s past vendettas.
• EJ and Gwen may see alliances tested, ambitions challenged, and their secretive projects endangered.
• Salem at large experiences the ripple effect of secrets resurfacing, betrayals revealed, and long-standing power dynamics threatened.

The show’s ability to intertwine personal stakes with high-stakes drama ensures that Sloan’s potential comeback is loaded with tension, suspense, and emotional resonance.

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What to Watch For

As episodes unfold, fans should pay attention to:

• Sloan’s discreet reentry into Salem.
• Interactions with Eric and potential custody or romantic entanglements.
• Strategic alliances with EJ and Gwen in the secret lab.
• Clues about the lab’s illicit activities, experiments, or resurrection plots.
• Reactions from Paulina, Nicole, and the broader Salem community.

Each development promises explosive confrontations, moral quandaries, and the signature suspense Days of Our Lives fans crave.

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Conclusion

Sloan Peterson’s potential return, secretly working with Gwen and EJ, is poised to upend Salem in unprecedented ways. Her reemergence blends legal cunning, emotional complexity, and moral ambiguity with high-stakes science, corporate power, and personal vendettas. Fans can expect suspense, romance, betrayal, and explosive confrontations that will resonate across Salem for months to come.

Salem is never short on surprises, and with Sloan back in the mix, viewers should prepare for a thrilling ride. Loyalties will be tested, secrets unearthed, and consequences felt far and wide. One thing is certain: Days of Our Lives continues to masterfully deliver drama, suspense, and unforgettable twists, and Sloan’s return promises to do all that—and more.