SmackDown Shifts to Syfy for Two Episodes Due to Olympics

WWE's Friday Night SmackDown will temporarily shift from its usual USA Network slot to Syfy for two episodes next month, as the network dedicates its primetime programming to coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The affected broadcasts are scheduled for Friday, February 13, and Friday, February 20, airing live from Dallas, Texas, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, respectively.

The move stems from USA Network's role as a key broadcaster for the Olympics, which run from February 6 through February 22 in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Officials at USA Network confirmed the change, noting that Syfy, a fellow NBCUniversal property, will serve as the temporary home for the wrestling program. Both episodes will maintain SmackDown's standard three-hour format, starting at 8 p.m. ET and running until 11 p.m. ET. The February 13 show will originate from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, while the February 20 edition is set for the FLA Live Arena in Fort Lauderdale.

This is not the first time WWE has turned to Syfy during major sports conflicts. The channel has previously accommodated SmackDown when events like the Olympics or other high-profile competitions preempt USA Network's...