Ruling Wonder Energy vs Gourgeist XY

[zero2exe]

Hi everyone!

A certain scenario has been brought to my attention and I'd like a professional opinion about it.
Does Wonder Energy shield against XY Gourgeist's Spirit Scream Attack? Since the attack doesn't actually deal damage but places damage counters instead the debate is whether this is considered an effect or not.
Thanks in advance!

 

[My Little Keldeo]

Wonder Energy blocks all effects of attacks except damage. Placing damage counters is indeed a separate effect from actually doing damage, and thus Wonder Energy would block it. Conversely, if a Pokemon targeted by either of Gourgesit XY's attacks had some effect that prevented or reduced damage done to it, both of Gourgeists's attacks would ignore that since they are not actually doing damage.

 

[zero2exe]

Thanks! That clears everything up perfectly!