If you tune into USA Network on Friday night and don’t see WWE Friday Night SmackDown, don’t panic. The blue brand isn’t going anywhere. It’s just shifting channels temporarily.
With USA Network set to air 24/7 coverage of the Winter Olympics from February 6 through February 22 in Italy, SmackDown will move to Syfy for two weeks before returning later in the month.
How to Watch SmackDown on Syfy Without Cable
Since SmackDown will air on Syfy on February 13 and 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 will air on Syfy on Friday, February 13 and Friday, February 20 before returning to USA Network on February 27. It’s like the new generation’s version of the Westminster Dog Show.
The February 13 episode airs live from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, while the February 20 show takes place at the FLA Live Arena 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.
Matches Announced for SmackDown on Syfy
The February 13 card already features several major matches heading into Elimination Chamber weekend, including:
Trick Williams vs. Rey Fenix
Jade Cargill (c) vs. Jordynne Grace for the WWE Women’s Championship
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky (c) vs. Lash Legend and Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships
Alexa Bliss vs. Giulia vs. Zelina Vega in a Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier
Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn vs. Jacob Fatu in a Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier.
With title matches and Chamber spots on the line, these two Syfy editions of SmackDown are shaping up to be important stops on the road to Elimination Chamber.