Report: WWE Taping 2/18 Episode Of SmackDown On 2/11 In New Orleans

WWE is taping an upcoming episode of SmackDown in order to allow its crew to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.

According to a report by Mike Johnson of PWInsider, WWE will be taping a second episode of SmackDown following the February 11 episode in New Orleans, Lousianna. The second episode will air on February 18 and is being taped in order to allow Superstars and staff to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on February 19.

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Although SmackDown was a taped program for well over a decade, it transitioned into a live show in 2016 upon moving to the USA Network and has remained a live show ever since then, with the occasional exception such as the upcoming episode on February 18 which will air on FOX.

On last night's episode of Monday Night Raw, it was announced that Brock Lesnar will be challenging Universal Champion Roman Reigns to a match for his title at WrestleMania. However, Brock Lesnar plans to bring the WWE Championship into that match as well by winning the Elimination Chamber on February 19. Learn more here.

Fightful has live coverage of SmackDown every Friday beginning at 8 p.m. eastern

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