The upcoming Winter Olympics are about to cause a shake-up for WWE fans! Get ready for a unique TV scheduling twist!
You might be aware that WWE SmackDown, a staple of pro wrestling, has returned to the USA Network in the U.S. But here's where it gets controversial: with NBCUniversal owning both the network and the media rights to the Olympics, it's led to a clash of schedules.
The 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, are just around the corner, and this has prompted a temporary shift in WWE's programming. Post Wrestling has confirmed that a couple of upcoming SmackDown episodes will be moved off the USA Network and onto SyFy.
The Impact of the Olympics on WWE Programming
With all eyes on the opening ceremony on February 6th, the first SmackDown episode after the Royal Rumble will still air on USA. However, the episodes scheduled for February 13th (from Dallas) and February 20th (from Fort Lauderdale, Florida) will be broadcast on SyFy instead.
This disruption is due to the USA Network becoming an Olympics-focused channel from February 13th to 22nd, covering the Milan Games extensively. SmackDown will return to its usual home on the USA Network on February 27th, leading up to the Elimination Chamber event in Louisville, Kentucky.
So, WWE fans, it's time to adjust your viewing plans! Set those DVRs to catch the blue show on SyFy during the Olympic period, and then switch back to USA Network for the rest of the month.
And this is the part most people miss: NBCUniversal's media rights deal for the Olympics is set to expire in 2032. Will this mean a permanent change in WWE's broadcasting strategy, or will they find a way to navigate these scheduling conflicts in the future?
What are your thoughts on this temporary shift in WWE programming? Do you think it's a clever move or a potential headache for fans? Let's discuss in the comments!
