WWE 'Smackdown' Moves to SyFy Channel for Two Weeks

Here's how to watch the wrestling show online without cable during the Olympics

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The WWE's 'Friday Night SmackDown' is temporarily moving from its usual home on the USA Network to the Syfy channel for the next two weeks due to the 2026 Winter Olympics. Fans can watch SmackDown live on Syfy or stream it online through services like DirecTV and Sling TV. Episodes will also be available to watch on-demand the next day on Peacock.

Why it matters

The temporary move of SmackDown to Syfy is necessary due to USA Network's switch to 24/7 Olympic programming during the Winter Games. This disruption to the show's normal broadcast schedule highlights the challenges of live event programming during major sporting events, and the importance of providing fans with alternative viewing options.

The details

SmackDown will air on Syfy on February 13 and February 20, maintaining its regular Friday 8pm ET timeslot. Viewers can watch on Syfy through any cable package that includes the channel, or by streaming it live online through services like DirecTV, Sling TV, and Peacock. Peacock will also have on-demand access to the Syfy episodes the day after they air.

  • SmackDown will air on Syfy on February 13 and February 20, 2026.
  • SmackDown will return to its regular home on USA Network starting February 27, 2026.

The players

WWE

The professional wrestling promotion that produces the 'Friday Night SmackDown' program.

USA Network

The cable television channel that normally airs 'Friday Night SmackDown'.

Syfy

The cable television channel that will air 'Friday Night SmackDown' for the next two weeks during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Peacock

The NBCUniversal streaming service that will have on-demand access to 'Friday Night SmackDown' episodes the day after they air.

DirecTV

The live TV streaming service that offers a Syfy channel feed, allowing viewers to watch 'Friday Night SmackDown' online.

Sling TV

The live TV streaming service that includes Syfy in its channel lineup, providing another option to watch 'Friday Night SmackDown' online.

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What’s next

SmackDown will return to its regular home on the USA Network beginning with the February 27, 2026 episode, which will air one night before the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event in Chicago.

The takeaway

The temporary relocation of WWE's 'Friday Night SmackDown' to the Syfy channel during the 2026 Winter Olympics highlights the importance of providing fans with alternative viewing options for live event programming, especially when major sporting events disrupt normal broadcast schedules.