Salem is once again bracing for upheaval as Days of Our Lives gears up for a dramatic January 26, 2026 episode that blends romance, mystery,

and the unmistakable threat of Dr. Wilhelm Rolf. Newly released spoiler photos hint at a deceptively calm day that quickly unravels into something far more dangerous,

with Gwen Rizczech stepping into the shadows, Johnny and Chanel savoring a rare moment of happiness, and Rafe Hernandez inching closer to critical answers that could change everything.

At the center of it all is one burning question: what is Dr. Rolf up to now—and why has Gwen aligned herself with him?

Gwen and Dr. Rolf: A Dangerous Alliance Reignites

Few names in Salem spark fear and fascination quite like Dr. Rolf. Known for his twisted genius, morally bankrupt experiments, and obsession with playing god, Rolf’s return to the spotlight is never a good sign. This time, however, he’s not working alone. Enter Gwen Rizczech, a woman whose past is riddled with betrayal, desperation, and a relentless need to survive.

Spoiler photos show Gwen joining Rolf in his lab, a setting that immediately sets alarm bells ringing. The sterile walls and ominous equipment suggest that Rolf is once again dabbling in science that crosses every ethical line imaginable. Gwen’s presence raises far more questions than answers. Is she an accomplice, a reluctant observer, or someone with her own agenda?

Gwen has always existed in moral gray areas. Her choices are often driven by fear—fear of losing control, fear of being abandoned, fear of being powerless. Working with Rolf could be a calculated risk, a last resort taken when Gwen feels boxed in by circumstances beyond her control. But history has proven that anyone who partners with Rolf rarely escapes unscathed.

The tension deepens when Gwen receives an unexpected phone call while overseeing Rolf’s work. The timing is suspicious, and the implications are enormous. Is someone checking in on her? Issuing orders? Or warning her that this dangerous partnership has already been discovered?

Whatever the call contains, it appears to shake Gwen, hinting that she may be juggling more than just Rolf’s latest scheme. Her loyalty—already a fragile concept—could soon be tested in ways that force her to choose between self-preservation and catastrophe.

Dr. Rolf’s Latest Scheme: A Threat Waiting to Explode

Though the photos don’t reveal the exact nature of Rolf’s experiment, longtime fans know better than to expect anything harmless. Rolf’s past includes resurrection serums, mind manipulation, and biological experiments that have left permanent scars on Salem.

The fact that Gwen is “overseeing” his work suggests this project may already be in an advanced stage. That alone should terrify everyone. Rolf doesn’t simply experiment for curiosity—he experiments to control outcomes, rewrite fate, and bend people to his will.

If Gwen believes she can manage or contain Rolf, she may be dangerously mistaken. His manipulative brilliance often draws people in under the illusion of partnership, only to discard them once they’ve served their purpose. Gwen’s intelligence and sharp instincts may help her survive longer than most, but even she may be underestimating the monster she’s dealing with.

Johnny and Chanel: Love in the Eye of the Storm

While darkness brews in the lab, Johnny DiMera and Chanel Dupree are enjoying a rare pocket of joy. Spoiler photos show the couple sharing a romantic day together, offering a welcome contrast to the looming danger elsewhere in Salem.

Chanel is visibly excited to spend time alone with Johnny, and their scenes are filled with warmth, affection, and the kind of intimacy that fans have been rooting for. After everything they’ve endured—family drama, emotional distance, and outside interference—this moment feels earned.

Yet in true Days of Our Lives fashion, happiness never exists without a shadow. Johnny’s DiMera bloodline and Chanel’s complicated past mean that peace is often temporary. Their romance, while genuine, exists in a town where secrets have a way of detonating at the worst possible time.

The question looming over their scenes is simple but unsettling: how long will this happiness last? With Dr. Rolf operating in secrecy and Gwen’s actions threatening to ripple outward, it may only be a matter of time before Johnny and Chanel find themselves caught in the fallout.

Rafe and Cat: Piecing Together the Truth

Meanwhile, Rafe Hernandez continues his tireless pursuit of justice. Spoiler photos show Rafe and Cat updating each other on their respective cases, suggesting that multiple investigations may be converging.

Rafe has always been Salem’s moral compass, and his determination to uncover the truth often puts him in direct conflict with the town’s darkest secrets. His conversation with Cat hints that new information is coming to light—information that could be directly or indirectly connected to Rolf’s activities.

As these cases evolve, Rafe may find himself closer than ever to uncovering a conspiracy that extends far beyond what anyone initially suspected. The danger, of course, lies in how close he’s willing to get. History has shown that those who dig too deeply into Salem’s secrets often become targets themselves.

Gwen at a Crossroads: Victim or Villain?

What makes this storyline especially compelling is Gwen’s uncertain position. She’s not a traditional villain, nor is she an innocent bystander. She’s a survivor—someone shaped by trauma and driven by a need to stay one step ahead of disaster.

Her decision to work with Dr. Rolf could mark a turning point. Depending on how events unfold, Gwen could emerge as a tragic figure manipulated by forces beyond her control—or as a willing participant in yet another Salem nightmare.

That phone call she receives may be the catalyst that tips the scales. Whether it’s a threat, an offer, or a warning, it suggests that Gwen’s involvement is already being noticed. And in Salem, being noticed is rarely a good thing.

The Calm Before the Storm

The January 26, 2026 episode of Days of Our Lives promises to balance romance and dread with surgical precision. Johnny and Chanel’s tender moments offer hope, while Gwen and Dr. Rolf’s collaboration signals danger on the horizon. Rafe’s investigation quietly tightens the noose, suggesting that secrets won’t remain buried for long.

As Salem moves forward, one truth becomes increasingly clear: every action has consequences, and no one is truly safe when Dr. Rolf is involved. Whether this storyline leads to heartbreak, redemption, or outright chaos remains to be seen—but one thing is certain. The storm is coming, and Salem will never be the same once it hits.