Ince began his career at West Ham but the Hammers fans have never forgiven him for the nature of his departure to Manchester United.
He was barracked all match but had the last laugh with Wolves decisive third goal.
Wolves had looked set to squander their chance to win in the league for the first time at the seventh attempt under Hoddle when they twice threw away the lead.
Two-goal Kenny Miller twice put them in front only for Bobby Zamora to twice drag West Ham back on level terms with a double of his own.
But Ince gave Wolves the lead again in the 72nd minute before Carl Cort sealed their win with the fourth four minutes later.
The victory has revived hopes of a late Wolves push for the play-offs but also served to increase the pressure on United boss Alan Pardew whose side have taken just seven points from their last five games.
Despite guiding United into a position to mount a promotion push, Pardew has been consistently under fire and the manner of the defeat at the hands of Wolves will have done nothing to ease the worries over his future.
Wolves began the flurry of goals after 29 minutes. A long free-kick by Jody Craddock from deep in the Wolves half was helped into the path of Miller by Cort.
Scottish international Miller then fired a powerful drive into the roof of the net - giving goalkeeper James Walker no chance.
But Wolves' joy proved to be short-lived as they were only able to hold on to their lead for seven minutes.
Wolves' defence was cut open by a pass from Sergei Rebrov that picked out Zamora.
The former Tottenham marksman looked offside but the flag stayed down and Zamora beat Matt Murray from a tight angle.
Wolves regained the initiative nine minutes into the second half and the unfortunate Walker had a hand in their goal.
Miller fired in a point blank shot at the far post after a cross from Ki-Hyeon Soel. Walker, on his league debut for United, appeared to have blocked the shot but somehow allowed the ball through his body and over the line.
But, just as in the first half, Wolves were unable to hold on to their advantage and this time the lead lasted only three minutes.
Wolves back line was once again caught napping when Marlon Harewood whipped in a low cross that Zamora steered into an empty net from 10 yards.
To their credit Wolves responded positively to losing the lead again and Ince effectively sealed their success in the 72nd minute when his low drive beat walker after Miller had seen his shot charged down.
Cort then put the result beyond doubt after 76 minutes when he converted a cross from Seol.