Wolves recovered from going behind after 80 seconds to earn their first Molineux win in the Championship this season.
Sam Gallagher silenced the home crowd in just the second minute after capitalising on a loose ball to rifle it into the top corner with a stunning strike.
But Wolves bounced back with two quickfire Rodrigo Gomes finishes inside four minutes to take the lead.
Raul Jimenez’s second half penalty ensured it was a comfortable afternoon in the end, despite the early setback.
Jordan James then finished it off with a fourth, for his first goal for the club, to take Wolves top of the Championship after three games, before other fixtures were played.
Analysis
Wolves made the worst possible start as they went behind after just 80 seconds.
The hosts were slow to get out defensively following Fer Lopez’s sloppy pass and the ball fell to Gallagher, who was centre of the goal around 25 yards out, and he smashed the ball into the top corner.
The minutes that followed were frenetic, as Wolves tried to bounce back quickly but left themselves exposed at the back.
Stoke should have had a second when more poor defending allowed Gallagher to take aim and his shot was spilled by Jose Sa, but Sorba Thomas somehow missed the target from a matter of yards.
Wolves were given a let-off and took advantage of it with an equaliser in the 19th minute.
A high press forced a mistake from Eric Bocat, as Lopez stole the ball. Jimenez’s shot was saved initially but R.Gomes was quickest to it to tap home.
Just four minutes later, Wolves took the lead. Mateus Mane did extremely well down the left to scrap for the ball and charge into the box and as his shot was saved, R.Gomes was in the right place at the right time again to finish.
Thomas had another opportunity to make up for his earlier miss when a cross from Ben Johnson reached him at the far post, but he blazed over the bar as Wolves took a 2-1 lead into the break.
Just 10 minutes into the second half Wolves were awarded a penalty when Johnson fouled Jimenez at the back post following a corner.
The Mexican sensation stepped up with his signature run-up and delivered a signature finish to make it 3-1.
Mane nearly added a fourth with a strong curled effort, but goalkeeper Viktor Johansson was equal to it.
Wolves were coasting as Stoke offered very little threat, while Cesar Peixoto was able to ring the changes and give minutes to other players.
One of those substitutes was James, making his first Molineux appearance, and the midfielder made the perfect start with his first Wolves goal.
He started the move with a beautiful pass out wide right to Lopez, who drove forward and cut the ball back for James to finish off in front of the South Bank.
It topped off a good reaction from Wolves after going down and a professional, attacking performance at home.
Key Moments
GOAL 2 A worldie strike from Gallagher puts Stoke ahead
GOAL 19 R.Gomes reacts quickest to equalise
GOAL 23 R.Gomes is in the right place again to put Wolves ahead
GOAL 55 Jimenez’s penalty marks Wolves’ third
GOAL 84 James adds some shine to the result
Teams
Wolves: Sa, Tchatchoua, Djiga, Toti, H.Bueno, Andre (Traore, 73), Munetsi (James, 77), R.Gomes (Doyle, 77), Lopez, Mane (Chirewa, 83), Jimenez (Armstrong, 73).
Subs not used: Virginia, S.Bueno, Lima, Wolfe.
Stoke: Johansson, Johnson, Wilmot, Lawal, Bocat, Soumare (Rigo, 74), Galbraith, Gallagher (Martin, 84), Jun-Ho (Manhoef, 62), Thomas, Hirst (Bozenik, 74).
Subs not used: Griffiths, Anderson, Graham, Giani, Pearson.
JJ is going to be so important for us, that midfield of Andre, JJ and Lopez is crazy to think about. Onto the window now, fingers crossed they get in the RW and CF. Liam, rumour going round West Ham circles that Krecji has been offered on loan with option/obligation - can you see if there is any truth?
Great performance. Sell Hwang, Sasa, Krejci, Johnston, bring in a winger and a striker and we will piss the league.