WWE SmackDown will have a new home for a couple of weeks in February 2026. Due to USA Network’s coverage of the Winter Olympics, WWE’s flagship Friday night show will be temporarily moved to Syfy on February 13 and February 20.
The Winter Olympics will be broadcast live from Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy between February 6 and February 22, and as USA Network is the domestic rights holder for both the Winter Olympics and SmackDown, the move was necessary to accommodate the programming schedule.
SmackDown’s Syfy Run: Same Time, Same Length
Despite the move to Syfy, there is good news for fans: SmackDown’s runtime will remain three hours during these two broadcasts. This comes after the show recently expanded to a three-hour format, ensuring fans won’t miss out on the usual action, promos, and matches.
Where to Watch SmackDown in February
For those in the United States, the February 13 episode of SmackDown will be held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, while the February 20 episode will emanate from the FLA Live Arena in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These episodes will air live on Syfy instead of USA.
In other territories outside the United States, SmackDown will continue to air live on Netflix during this time.
After these two episodes on Syfy, SmackDown will return to USA Network on February 27, with the broadcast taking place from the KFC Yum! Arena in Louisville, Kentucky. This episode will air the night before the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event, which will be hosted at the United Center in Chicago, marking an exciting lead-up to WrestleMania season.
SmackDown’s Recent Shake-Up and New Faces
The temporary shift to Syfy isn’t the only change SmackDown has undergone recently. The show has seen significant changes, including the arrival of Trick Williams (former NXT Champion), Jordynne Grace, and Matt Cardona, adding a fresh dynamic to the brand.
Additionally, Cody Rhodes, the brand’s former men’s world champion, was recently dethroned by Drew McIntyre, who now holds the title. This shift in the main event scene is set to usher in a host of new challengers, including Jacob Fatu, who will be facing Rhodes at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event in Toronto.
What’s Next for SmackDown?
With Drew McIntyre now as the reigning champion and Jacob Fatu making his presence felt, there’s no shortage of exciting developments on the horizon for SmackDown. The brand is building momentum as **WWE heads toward the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, setting the stage for a high-stakes Road to WrestleMania.
As the landscape of SmackDown continues to evolve, WWE fans can expect thrilling moments, new rivalries, and big-time matches leading up to one of the biggest events in the wrestling calendar: WrestleMania 42.
