When Unchecked Power kills an Immortal Phoenix on the battlefield, does the Phoenix's revival trigger occur before cleanup, allowing it to return?

Ruling: Yes, you can return your own Phoenix after Unchecked Power kills it. The Phoenix's ability checks after the spell resolves.

Sequence:

  • Unchecked Power resolves and kills the Phoenix
  • Phoenix's ability triggers and checks after the spell resolves
  • Phoenix can return to the battlefield

Nuances:

  • This works the same way as Hidden Blade killing your own Phoenix
  • The Phoenix trigger is not a "when played" trigger, but rather checks after the effect resolves