WWE has made a notable adjustment to its live event schedule for the opening week of 2026, affecting the locations originally planned for the first Friday Night SmackDown and Monday Night RAW of the year. This strategic change involves a venue swap between Brooklyn and Buffalo, New York.
Venue Change Details
Initially, WWE had scheduled the January 2, 2026, episode of SmackDown at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with the January 5, 2026, episode of RAW set for the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. However, according to reliable reports, these plans have been reversed:
- The January 2 SmackDown show will now take place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
- The January 5 RAW episode is moving to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
This swap allows WWE to kick off the new year in Buffalo with SmackDown and conclude the initial week with RAW in Brooklyn, a city known for drawing a passionate wrestling fanbase[1][2][4].
Implications for Fans and WWE
Fans who purchased tickets under the original schedule will still be entitled to attend the rescheduled event at the new venue and date. For those unable to adjust, WWE is offering refunds through the original point of purchase, ensuring flexibility and customer satisfaction[1].
Sources close to the company revealed that this decision was made to optimize the live event experience and align better with WWE’s broader touring strategy for early 2026. One WWE insider shared, “We want to ensure the energy is right for the brand respective shows. Brooklyn’s fanbase is particularly engaged with RAW storylines, making it a natural fit for that January 5th slot.”
Setting the Stage for Royal Rumble Season
These January episodes are crucial, as they set the storyline momentum leading up to the 2026 Royal Rumble, one of WWE’s most pivotal pay-per-view events. The swapped venues will host roster favorites and emerging Superstars, delivering fresh narratives and heightened drama for fans eager to see who will rise to challenge for major titles in the new year[1].
Strategic Factors Behind the Change
Industry analysts speculate the swap considers factors such as venue availability, market demand, and logistical planning. The KeyBank Center in Buffalo, often praised for its enthusiastic audience, will now energize the SmackDown event, while the larger Barclays Center benefits from hosting RAW, which typically draws substantial crowds and high-profile segments[3].
What to Expect: Early 2026 WWE Programming
With these changes, WWE will provide:
January 2 SmackDown in Buffalo: High-stakes matches and storyline developments to excite SmackDown loyalists, potentially featuring major title defenses and surprises.
January 5 RAW in Brooklyn: A star-studded lineup ready to launch new feuds and alliances, all building toward Royal Rumble.
Wrestling fans should stay tuned for official announcements about match cards and special appearances, as WWE finalizes plans to deliver compelling entertainment at both venues.
For ongoing updates and in-depth coverage, readers are encouraged to follow WWE’s official channels and leading wrestling news portals. As always, fans can expect WWE to leverage venue locations strategically, maximizing live event impact and narrative engagement as it enters 2026’s busy wrestling calendar.