According to the latest Wrestling Observer Daily Updates, WWE SmackDown will temporarily air on Syfy for two episodes in February due to scheduling conflicts with the Winter Olympics. This change affects the shows originally scheduled for February 13 and February 20, which would typically air on the USA Network.
A spokesperson for the USA Network confirmed the move, stating that this adjustment allows SmackDown to maintain its renewed three-hour format. Both episodes will continue to air live from 8 to 11 PM ET, with the February 13 episode set in Dallas, Texas, and the February 20 episode taking place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The report mentions that Syfy stepping in is not unusual, as both Syfy and the USA Network are under the NBC Universal umbrella. WWE has utilized Syfy as a backup network in the past when major sports events affect prime-time programming. The Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6 to February 22, leading to this overlap.
Importantly, the temporary move will not affect international viewers; fans outside the United States will still be able to watch SmackDown live on Netflix as usual. SmackDown is set to return to the USA Network on February 27, which will serve as the go-home show for WWE Elimination Chamber. Aside from the network switch, no other changes are expected, and SmackDown will resume its normal schedule once the Winter Olympics conclude.
