Days of Our Lives Spoilers: EJ Grapples With Stefano’s Legacy as Shocking Hints of The Phoenix’s Return Surface

Few names carry as much weight in Salem as Stefano DiMera. Known to millions of Days of Our Lives fans as “The Phoenix,” Stefano was more than just a villain — he was a mastermind, a patriarch, and the embodiment of power and control. His shadow has loomed over the DiMera dynasty for decades, and even after his death, his presence continues to influence every decision his children make.

Now, the soap world is buzzing again. A recent preview has reignited whispers that Stefano may not be gone for good. Could Days of Our Lives be preparing for the unthinkable — yet another resurrection of its most infamous character? And if so, what would that mean for EJ DiMera, the son still trying to live up to a legacy that both empowers and haunts him?

EJ DiMera and the Weight of the DiMera Name

Actor Dan Feuerriegel, who brilliantly portrays EJ DiMera, recently opened up about the character’s complex relationship with his late father. For EJ, Stefano is not just a memory. He is a constant force, a figure whose influence is carved into the very walls of the DiMera mansion.

“Legacy is everything,” Feuerriegel explained, emphasizing how Stefano’s empire continues to define the DiMeras. Without Stefano, there would be no dynasty, no empire to protect, no reason for the family’s ongoing power struggles. EJ, perhaps more than any of his siblings, has taken it upon himself to keep the DiMera name alive, no matter the cost.

That responsibility, however, comes with heavy expectations. Stefano was feared, respected, and despised in equal measure. For EJ, living in his father’s shadow has always been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has given him strength, ambition, and purpose. On the other, it has tied him to a legacy of betrayal, manipulation, and ruthless ambition that few in Salem will ever forgive.

Conversations With a Portrait

One of the most haunting details Feuerriegel revealed is EJ’s private connection to his father. Even years after Stefano’s death, EJ still “speaks” to his father through the portrait that hangs in the DiMera mansion.

To outsiders, it may seem odd, even unsettling, but for EJ, those conversations are a lifeline. The portrait isn’t just a painting — it is a symbol of everything Stefano built, a reminder of the empire that must never be allowed to fall. Through these one-sided talks, EJ seeks guidance, justification, and reassurance.

It is as if Stefano is still pulling the strings from beyond the grave, shaping EJ’s decisions and pushing him to embrace the ruthless side of the DiMera legacy. For EJ, this isn’t a burden — it’s motivation. It’s what makes him who he is.

The Burden of Legacy

Being Stefano’s son was never simple. Growing up under the watchful eye of Salem’s most feared villain meant that EJ was constantly tested. Every move he made was scrutinized, every weakness exploited. Yet, despite the challenges, EJ doesn’t see this upbringing as a curse. Instead, he has chosen to embrace it.

His ambition, his resilience, and even his sometimes cold demeanor are all products of Stefano’s influence. In EJ’s eyes, he isn’t just carrying his father’s name — he is proving himself worthy of it. That relentless drive to maintain power, to never let the DiMera dynasty crumble, defines every choice he makes.

But this devotion also raises troubling questions. If Stefano was known for manipulation, cruelty, and deceit, what does it say about EJ that he idolizes him so completely? Is EJ destined to repeat his father’s mistakes, or can he carve out a different path while still honoring the DiMera name?

The Phoenix Rises Again?

For longtime Days of Our Lives viewers, Stefano’s “resurrections” are legendary. Death has never been a permanent state for The Phoenix. Time and again, when the world believed him gone, Stefano found a way to return — more powerful, more vengeful, more determined than ever.

That history makes the latest teasers all the more electrifying. Could Stefano once again rise from the ashes? Or will his return take a different form — through flashbacks, visions, or perhaps another character carrying out his will?

Even if the writers don’t physically bring Stefano back, the fact that he remains such a central part of EJ’s storyline proves that his influence will never truly die. For fans, the mere hint of Stefano’s presence sends chills down the spine and reignites the sense of danger that only he could bring to Salem.

The Ripple Effect on the DiMeras

If Stefano were to return in some capacity, the ripple effects would be seismic. EJ, already obsessed with his father’s approval, could either be empowered or destroyed by Stefano’s presence. Would Stefano praise him for keeping the empire intact, or would he criticize his missteps, undermining EJ’s authority within the family?

Other DiMeras would also feel the impact.

• Chad, who has long struggled with balancing morality and family loyalty, could be pulled back into Stefano’s orbit, reigniting old conflicts.
• Kristen, always unpredictable, might see Stefano’s return as the ultimate opportunity to reclaim dominance in Salem.
• Gabi and Stefan, currently locked in their own power battles, would face new threats to their control of DiMera Enterprises.

Stefano’s return wouldn’t just shift the family dynamic — it would send shockwaves through all of Salem. Old enemies would be forced to confront him again, while allies might be tempted to strike new, dangerous bargains.

The Emotional Core

At its heart, this storyline isn’t just about power — it’s about family, legacy, and the unbreakable ties between fathers and sons. For EJ, Stefano’s presence is both a blessing and a curse. It fuels his ambition but also traps him in a cycle of expectations and ruthless ambition that may ultimately cost him everything.

The emotional weight of this arc lies in whether EJ can ever step out from Stefano’s shadow. Can he honor his father’s legacy without becoming him? Or is EJ destined to embrace the darker side of his heritage, sacrificing love and humanity in the pursuit of power?

What Comes Next

As whispers of Stefano’s return grow louder, fans are left on edge. Will The Phoenix truly rise again, defying death once more? Or will his legacy live on only through the choices EJ and the rest of the DiMeras make in his name?

One thing is certain: in Salem, the past is never buried for long, and Stefano’s influence will continue to shape the future in ways no one can fully predict.

The DiMera dynasty stands at a crossroads, and as EJ grapples with the ghost of his father, the entire family’s future hangs in the balance. Whether Stefano returns in body, spirit, or simply in influence, one truth remains — The Phoenix will never truly die.