Alex Kiriakis is facing one of the most emotional challenges of his life on Days of Our Lives, and his painful childhood memories may influence what comes next. As tensions continue to build between Alex and Joy over baby Kelsey, viewers are left wondering whether history is about to repeat itself—or whether Alex will choose a different path than the one that shaped his own upbringing.
During the July 30 episode, Alex opened up to Stephanie about the heartbreaking situation he now finds himself in. According to Alex, Joy refuses to let him spend time with Kelsey as long as Stephanie remains part of his life. The restriction has left him frustrated and searching for a way forward, while also forcing him to revisit memories of the custody battle that defined his earliest years.
Alex Reflects on a Childhood Marked by Custody Battles
As Alex discussed his current situation, he pointed out that he understands custody disputes better than most people. Growing up, he watched the bitter conflict involving his biological mother, Angelica, and the couple who ultimately raised him—Justin and Adrienne.
Those memories continue to shape how Alex views family, parenthood, and the difficult decisions that often accompany custody disputes. Whether he intends to follow the same example remains uncertain, but the parallels between his past and present are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Angelica’s Shocking Actions Changed Alex’s Life
Alex’s early years were anything but ordinary.
Years ago, Angelica used baby Alex as leverage in an attempt to drive a wedge between Justin and Adrienne. Her plan centered on keeping the couple apart by using their son as a bargaining chip.
When Justin and Adrienne refused to abandon their relationship and instead chose to remain together while co-parenting Alex, Angelica escalated the situation dramatically.
According to the show’s history, she detonated a construction site where Adrienne was working before fleeing the country with Alex. To avoid facing justice, Angelica even faked both her own death and Alex’s death, creating one of the soap’s most shocking family sagas.
Eventually, however, circumstances changed.
After running out of money, Angelica returned to Salem. Rather than continuing to raise Alex herself, she handed him over to Justin before leaving once again.
Justin and Adrienne Became Alex’s Family
Following Angelica’s departure, Justin and Adrienne became the steady parental figures in Alex’s life.
His biological mother only resurfaced occasionally, and those visits were generally tied to requests for additional financial support from Justin. Outside of those brief appearances, Alex was largely raised by Justin and Adrienne, who were more than willing to provide him with a stable home despite the turmoil that had surrounded his earliest years.
Those experiences now provide the backdrop for Alex’s own custody concerns involving Kelsey.
Could Alex Borrow From the Kiriakis Playbook?
While Alex has not revealed how he intends to handle the current conflict with Joy, the similarities between the two situations have sparked plenty of speculation.
The article raises the possibility that Alex could be tempted to adopt strategies similar to those once used within the Kiriakis family.
One theory suggests Alex might attempt to use his financial advantages to influence the custody situation. Joy appears to be struggling financially, despite coming from a family that seemingly has resources available. Because of that, viewers are wondering whether Alex could attempt to offer money in exchange for gaining greater access to baby Kelsey.
At this point, however, this remains purely speculative and has not been confirmed by the series.
Financial Pressure Could Become a Factor
The article also explores another possible scenario.
If Alex becomes determined to make life more difficult for Joy, he could potentially use financial pressure as leverage. The possibility is raised that he might make it harder for Joy to secure employment or choose to direct child support exclusively toward Kelsey rather than providing additional financial assistance to Joy herself.
Again, none of these actions have occurred on-screen. They are simply possibilities based on the family history Alex referenced and the tactics previously associated with the Kiriakis family.
Still, the speculation highlights just how complicated this custody battle could become if both sides refuse to compromise.
Could History Repeat Itself Once Again?
The most dramatic possibility discussed is perhaps the most unsettling.
If negotiations and financial pressure fail, viewers are wondering whether Alex could ultimately follow the same path Justin and Adrienne once took by leaving town with the child.
Years ago, Justin and Adrienne eventually departed with Alex, making it nearly impossible for Angelica to pursue them because she lacked the financial resources to do so.
Now, some fans are questioning whether Alex could consider a similar strategy if he believes it is the only way to secure a future with Kelsey.
For now, though, this remains nothing more than speculation inspired by Alex’s family history and recent comments about his childhood.
Will Alex Break the Cycle?
The July 30 episode reminded viewers that Alex’s current struggle is deeply connected to the experiences that shaped him as a child. His memories of Angelica, Justin, and Adrienne continue to influence how he sees the fight for his own daughter, making the emotional stakes even higher.
Whether Alex ultimately chooses compassion over confrontation—or decides to embrace the aggressive custody tactics that once defined his family—remains to be seen.
As the custody conflict with Joy continues to unfold, one question hangs over Salem: will Alex write a new chapter for the Kiriakis family, or could he end up repeating the very history that once changed his own life forever?
