WWE SmackDown Shifts to SyFy for Olympic Takeover

How to Watch the Blue Brand's Temporary Network Move on February 20

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

WWE's Friday Night SmackDown will air live on SyFy tonight, February 20, as the USA Network dedicates its programming to Winter Olympics coverage. The Blue Brand's temporary network shift comes as the Road to WrestleMania continues, with key Elimination Chamber qualifying matches set for the stacked card.

Why it matters

With SmackDown's regular home network unavailable due to the Olympics, fans will need to make sure they have access to SyFy in order to watch the show live. This temporary network move could impact viewership and fan engagement as the WWE builds toward its biggest event of the year.

The details

Tonight's SmackDown episode will air live from the Amerant Bank Arena in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The card includes a Men's Elimination Chamber qualifier with Carmelo Hayes, Trick Williams, and Damian Priest, as well as a Women's Elimination Chamber qualifier featuring Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax, and Kiana James. Additional matches include Oba Femi vs. Kit Wilson and Ilja Dragunov vs. Tama Tonga.

  • WWE SmackDown will air live on SyFy on February 20 from 8-11 p.m. ET.
  • The show will return to its regular home on the USA Network on February 27, the night before the Elimination Chamber premium live event.

The players

WWE

The professional wrestling promotion that produces the SmackDown brand.

SyFy

The cable television channel that will temporarily air WWE SmackDown on February 20 while the USA Network focuses on Winter Olympics coverage.

USA Network

The regular home network for WWE SmackDown, which will resume airing the show on February 27.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Fans will need to make sure they have access to SyFy on February 20 in order to watch the live episode of WWE SmackDown, as the show's regular home on USA Network will be preempted by Winter Olympics coverage.

The takeaway

WWE's temporary network shift for SmackDown highlights the challenges of programming around major live events like the Olympics. Fans will need to adapt to catch the Blue Brand's action, but the stacked card suggests the show will deliver despite the network change.