Does 'winning combat' trigger abilities even if combat damage doesn't happen (e.g., if a unit is bounced or sent back to base before damage)?

Ruling: Yes, winning combat triggers abilities even if the Combat Damage Step is skipped. Combat is still resolved in the Resolution Step, and as long as your unit remains on the battlefield after combat (or you score the conqueror point if attacking), you win combat.

Sequence:

• Combat starts
• Combat Damage Step can be skipped if there are no opposing units
• Combat still resolves in Resolution Step
• If your unit is on the battlefield after combat resolves, you won combat

Nuances:

• For attackers: you win if you score the conqueror point
• For defenders: you win if you keep control of the battlefield
• Combat damage occurring is not required for winning combat