EER Friday Night SmackDown will undergo a temporary network shift next month as coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics takes over the USA Network. The Olympics, set to take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, run from February 6 through February 22. As the domestic broadcaster for the games, USA Network will be dedicating its programming block to 24/7 coverage of the international competition, moving the blue brand from its usual home for two consecutive weeks.
A spokesperson for USA Network has confirmed to Post Wrestling that SmackDown will air live on Syfy on Friday, February 13, and Friday, February 20. Despite the change in channel, the show will retain its regular three-hour format, airing from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. The February 13 broadcast will emanate from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, while the February 20 episode will take place at the FLA Live Arena in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
WWE programming will return to the USA Network on Friday, February 27, when SmackDown moves back to the USA Network. That episode will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, serving as the final stop before the Elimination Chamber premium live event. The Kentucky show will be the last stop for finalizing the card for the chamber matches, which traditionally determine the top title challengers for WrestleMania.
Elimination Chamber 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, and will take place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
