SmackDown moves to Syfy on Feb. 13 and 20 due to the Winter Olympics but remains a three-hour show. Betting implication: expect continuity in weekly markets, but title odds may shift — Drew McIntyre’s recent victory shortens his price while Jacob Fatu’s return increases wagering interest on a potential Cody Rhodes vs Fatu title rematch.
SmackDown Temporarily Moves to Syfy During Winter Olympics
SmackDown will air on Syfy on Friday, February 13 and Friday, February 20 because the Winter Olympics occupy USA Network’s schedule. The show’s runtime will remain three hours despite the temporary channel switch. Outside the United States, SmackDown, one of the more important WWE events, will continue to stream live on Netflix.
Broadcast Schedule and Venues
The February 13 episode is scheduled for the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, while the February 20 show will emanate from the FLA Live Arena in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. SmackDown returns to USA Network on February 27 with an episode from the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky — airing one night before the Elimination Chamber premium live event in Chicago.
Expanded Format and New Talent
SmackDown recently expanded to a three-hour format and now features new arrivals such as former NXT Champion Trick Williams, Jordynne Grace and the returning Matt Cardona. Those additions are reshaping midcard storylines and opening fresh match-up possibilities.
Championship Picture and Key Matches
The brand’s top title changed hands when Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship, shifting the main-event landscape. A returning Jacob Fatu has targeted Rhodes and is slated to face him at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Toronto, adding immediate stakes to the title scene.
Implications for the Road to Royal Rumble and WrestleMania
With the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia on the horizon and WrestleMania plans beginning to take shape, the roster moves and title changes on SmackDown set up several prospective feuds and high-profile matches. Expect storyline acceleration as WWE builds toward those major events.
Betting and Market Impact
Punters should note the temporary move won’t disrupt weekly betting windows, but the new champion and Fatu’s return could quickly alter title odds. Short-term props and live-betting markets may spike around Fatu vs. Rhodes moments and network-viewership factors could influence in-play volumes during the two Syfy broadcasts.
WWE makes major announcement ahead of SmackDown
The blue brand will have a new home in February, 2026.
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