WWF using unsigned talent in a prominent role

Ok, the latest observer mentioned how Barry Windham was working for WWF without signing a contract. Another article I read mentioned Honky Tonk Man working as IC champ on a handshake deal (so possibly not a contract).

Any other big names that had prominent spots over the years without having a contract with WWF? This is kind of fascinating especially when you think about the recent cwc and plans to use some of them in the dusty tag classic…

​Contracts worked completely different in the WWF until 1996, when Pillman and Mero became the first guys to actually have a guaranteed yearly income. Up until then, it was more like Vince agreeing to pay a certain amount (something like $1000 a year) and the rest being calculated off the houses and merchandise. That’s why guys jumped so much easier, because legally speaking it was hard to justify anything Vince offered as a legitimate "contract" when it wasn’t actually offering any money. So pretty much EVERYONE up until the 90s was more or less working on a handshake agreement. ​