Members of the WWE Universe tuning into tonight’s episode of SmackDown won’t find it on the USA Network. Friday’s broadcast of the Blue Brand has shifted networks temporarily while the regular home is running extended Olympic coverage.
For the second week, WWE SmackDown will air live on SyFy, with tonight’s episode coming from the Amerant Bank Arena in Ft Lauderdale. As the Road to Wrestlemania takes a pit stop at the Elimination Chamber, the picture gets clearer with a stacked match card. Who will qualify for the structure in Chicago for a chance at a world title opportunity at the Show of Shows in Las Vegas?
Matches to Watch
- Men’s Elimination Chamber qualifier — Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest.
- Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifier — Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax vs. Kiana James.
- Singles match — Oba Femi vs. Kit Wilson.
- Singles match — Ilja Dragunov vs. Tama Tonga.
As always, card is subject to change.
How to Watch SmackDown on Syfy Without Cable
Since SmackDown will air on Syfy on February 20 in its usual 8 – 11 p.m. ET time slot, cord cutters will need access to Syfy to watch live. You can stream the channel through DIRECTV, Hulu + Live, Sling, or YouTube TV, all of which carry Syfy as part of their live TV channel lineups.
Why SmackDown Is Leaving USA Network (Temporarily)
USA Network, the domestic broadcaster of Friday Night SmackDown, will dedicate its programming to Winter Olympics coverage from February 6 through February 22. As a result, SmackDown aired on Syfy last Friday, February 13, and tonight before returning to USA Network on February 27. It’s like the new generation’s version of the Westminster Dog Show.
Last week’s Friday the 13th episode aired live from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, while tonight’s show takes place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. SmackDown returns to USA Network on February 27 in Kentucky, the night before the Elimination Chamber premium live event.
If you’re planning to watch during the Olympic takeover, make sure you’re set up with DIRECTV, Hulu + Live, Sling, or YouTube TV so you don’t miss either Syfy broadcast.